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Local firefighters say safety concerns prompted vote of no confidence, criticize contracting and communications
Summary
The Local 616 secretary told the council the union's no‑confidence vote reflected alleged staffing, resourcing and leadership failures that jeopardize public safety and raised concerns about a city contract and FOIL follow‑up.
Devin Friedus, secretary of Local 616 Dunkirk Professional Firefighters, told the council the union's recent no‑confidence vote and public comments were prompted by what he described as conditions that threaten firefighters' ability to protect residents. He framed the matter as a public‑safety concern rather than a political dispute and said the union intends to continue advocating for supported public‑safety services.
Friedus said the union has accepted small annual raises over the last 14 years while the cost of living has risen substantially, criticized the mayor's public comments about affordability of raises and said a FOIL request revealed a short, three‑page contract with legal services that he called concerning. He alleged aggressive follow‑up contact after he filed a FOIL request and urged council to address conduct and contract language he sees as detrimental to the city's interests.
"This is about blowing the whistle on serious concerns affecting Dunkirk's public safety," Friedus said. The council acknowledged the remarks and indicated personnel, contract and FOIL processes would be reviewed.
