By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Dearborn, Michigan, firefighters objected after the fire chief banned department fire trucks from appearing at a deputy chief’s retirement party.
• The party was held Thursday at a bar on Michigan Avenue, where trucks traditionally provided a ceremonial “last ride.”
• Fire Chief Joseph Murray said apparatus are only sent to events at stations and that no request was made for the retirement party.
• Union leaders say trucks have appeared at similar off-duty events in the past and dispute the chief’s explanation.
• The decision follows a history of disputes between the chief and the firefighters’ union.
DEARBORN, MI — Fire apparatus from the Dearborn Fire Department were not permitted at a deputy chief’s retirement party Thursday at a local bar, Fire Chief Joseph Murray said, a departure from past practice that drew complaints from firefighters and union leaders.
Murray told reporters he declined to send rigs to the event at the Biergarten on Michigan Avenue because department vehicles are dispatched to celebrations only when held at fire stations, and because no formal request for apparatus was submitted.
Current and former leaders of the International Association of Firefighters Local 412 said fire trucks have regularly appeared at retirement events held at the Biergarten and that no written request is required under department practice.
Retiring Deputy Fire Chief Laura Ridenour, who served 24 years, said she was unaware of any reason for the change and had not been asked about requesting apparatus.
Union officials said the decision breaks with tradition and contributes to ongoing tensions between the fire chief and rank-and-file members.
