The actions by Chiefs Thomas and Gavin at the Super Sofa Store fire were so aggregious and deviated so far from accepted modern fire fighting practices that they should be considered criminal conduct. Both should be charged with 9 counts of negligent homicide.

As for Mayor Riley, until just a few weeks ago, I supported him. His comments these past few weeks have been insensitive and out of touch with the community. They are also disrepectful of the nine fire fighters who lost their lives doing thier job. I will be voting for Mr. Gregorie in November.

It is truly a sad day when people will not admit that they made poor decisions, and did not follow commonly excepted stratgies and tactics, that resulted in this tragedy. 

It is even a sadder day when a fire chief says publically that he would do it the same way all over again., and kill 9 firefighters. For what? A cheap, write-off building.

It is inexcusable when an elected city official continues to back an incompetent fire chief, and very unfortunate that he will not begin to fix the problems, which begin with the chief, and appears to filter down through antiquated firefighting practices. Unfornately for Charleston, they lack top leadership in their fire department, as well as their city government. Being a leader is not easy. It takes courage. It is not for the weak of heart, or for the person that is happy with status quo. TRUE Leaders make a positive difference, and make changes that are not always easy, nor popular. Changes need to be made here for the good of the city, and department. Without changes, and a new leader, there can be only limited learing from this incident becuase the mistakes of the past will continue to haunt each department member, as well as the confidence of the citizens that the department serves.

We must learn from this incident, and try not to repeat the mistakes made here.

When a firefighter dies while trying to save another life, while tragic and unfortunate, is one thing. It calls for a thorough evaluation of tactics and department S.O.G.‘s.
When 9 firefighters die for the preservation of a few pieces of furniture,there is no excuse. If Chief Thomas cannot determine when it is permissible to risk a firefighter’s life, he has no business being Chief.

If Mayor Riley cannot see this, I hope the voters can.

If the chief can’t run a safe fire scene how will he respond to natural disasters? His command and control unexceptable and if he does not step down others will be lost. Preplanning, ICS NIMS training, and tatics strategies would have saved these good men. I cannot believe he can function knowing that he is the boss and bears full responsibility that he cannot delegate. I also cannot believe that the men and women would continue to follow this guy. My department would not. We would make that loud and clear.

Be safe, remain professional regardless of department size paid or volunteer

The mayor will take care of his own. Else they might go down together. I wonder at what point he will consider Rusty a liability.

Mayor Riley, of course, has a long history of blind allegiance to Fire Chief Rusty Thomas, and it’s likely that the verbose mayor will simply say the city and Chief Thomas are doing the right thing, drilling down to address the training and safety needs of the department…blah, blah, blah. You’ve heard it all before.

In truth, the department’s major shortcomings in just about every important function (command, equipment, training, safety procedures) are a direct reflection on Thomas’s failed leadership and ignorance of current standards and his unflinching belief that he knows best.

Oh, and isn’t Riley running for re-election?