The Dryden Fire Fighters Association is responding to comments made by Deputy Mayor Nick Beyak.
The group claims the comments are only a small part of the story.
The Association claims back on Jan 12th, 2018 in an open video taped session they proactively asked for a lease or purchase of the association room because the City was in the process of creating a new municipal policy to be enforced.
The purpose they say was to alleviate the liability from whatever went on in the room as it has always has been a private locked space only firefighters are allowed into.
The group goes on to say they were 100% in compliance with the municipal policy when the City CAO and Fire Chief Ryan Murrell came into the building with 4 uniformed police officers.
They claim a short argument occurred as Chief Murrell was confronted by the fact he was known to enjoy all aspects of the room not 60 days before his enforcement.
The Association asked for the fire-fighters to be reinstated and for Murrell to be suspended for his misconduct.
Here is the full statement from the Dryden Fire Fighters Association:
“Nick Beyak’s comments again are a small part of the story. It is a matter of public record that the Dryden Fire Fighters Association attended city council on Jan 12 2018 in an open video taped session to proactively ask for a lease or purchase of our association room because the city was in the process of creating a new municipal policy that was to be enforced. The purpose was to alleviate the liability from whatever went on in that room as it has always been a private locked space only firefighters are allowed into. The association provided proof that liability insurance could be obtained and also informed the city that there is no legal precedent for third party (them as the owner) liability damages in Canada. The city while on camera fully supported the idea and looked forward to discussions but once the cameras were off had very different intentions. The day in question when the CAO Ernie Remillard, Fire Chief Ryan Murrell and four uniformed police stormed in our private room to investigate they found we were 100% compliant with the municipal policy. A short argument occurred as Chief Murrell was confronted by the fact he was know to enjoy all aspects of the room not 60 days before his enforcement. This, and only this led to the dismissal of three long term fire fighters because Murrell was embarrassed that he was exposed in front of his boss. As the DFFA has said before this was the tipping point. This was the point we could take no more. It is impossible to actively work as a fire fighter when you know your fire chief will be the first one to turn on you. The city was given nine business days to reinstate the members and they refused. They were also asked to suspend Murrell for his misconduct and they refused. Since the day we suspended service we have seen the city repeatedly say one thing in the media and say another privately. The only thing the city has offered to the association is to “come back and you have my word we will resolve these issues”. Well the fact is we don’t trust them, how could we? They have always had the power to get us back in service, but they won’t admit a staff member made a mistake. As stated before it is unsafe for us to work under a Chief we don’t trust for a City Council that does not care. ” Darren Trist Negotiations Committee Chair
