Edison Fire Fighters Association

I.A.F.F. Local 1197 - AFL-CIO

The Mission of  this page is to inform and educate YOU, the tax payers and residents of Edison,  about YOUR  fire department. While this column is not intended to scare you,
it is designed to make you aware of the dangers that our community faces. What you will read here is what our mayor, certain council members,  town administrators and the fire chief,  DO NOT want you to know.

This is simply because it is The TRUTH!!!

Protecting our residents lives and property is a very serious business. All of your Professional Firefighters are dedicated and committed to serving and protecting you. Unfortunately, due to personal and political agendas, our town fathers are not as
committed to your safety as they promise to be. For those reasons, we will use this page
to dispute, counter and “set the record straight” as your family’s safety and the safety of your firefighters continually fall under attack from these unscrupulous politicians as they “grandstand," distort the truth and profit from such actions.

CHOI'S RUBBERSTAMP COUNCIL

March 18, 2008 - In an attempt to gain total control of the township, Mayor Choi recruited, supported and sponsored his own slate for 4 council seats. A point that needs to be reiterated is that Mayor Choi claims to be a Democrat, but the Mayor pitted his slate against the incumbent democratic ticket elected by the township Democratic Committee. (Choi later attempted to take control of the Democratic Committee. Luckily, he failed to do so)

Mayor Choi’s slate was victorious and Council Members Perilstein, Prasad, Mascola & Griffin-Ussak were sworn into office on January 1, 2008. The obvious notion for the public to believe is that this new council would be Choi’s rubberstamp for all of his intended changes, especially the ones that could not gain support on their own merit.

It’s obvious to most that each one of the council members must have been promised something that would trick their conscience into believing they were justified to follow a Mayor who’s actions over the last 2 years have proven to be less than honest and without integrity. Maybe it’s a job for a family member, a superintendent’s position, a position to advance one’s real estate investments or something of that nature. Whatever it is, it would have to be something “juicy” enough to test ones moral convictions. That is of course, assuming that integrity and similar personality traits exist in the first place.

Shortly after being sworn into office, The Sentinel reports on January 2, 2008, “Incoming council pledges to be autonomous, professional, hopes to tackle property taxes and over development during tenure” http://ems.gmnews.com/news/2008/0102/Front_Page/004.html, http://ems.gmnews.com/news/2008/0319/Front_Page/002.html, http://ems.gmnews.com/news/2008/0319/Front_Page/015.html.

In this article, unlike her counterparts, Councilwoman Perilstein tries to refute the rubberstamp notion by saying “that such perceptions will be dispelled, once the public sees the new council in action”. “I think just with time and with people getting to know me and my feelings and commitment to certain issues, they will realize I, without a doubt, am someone who has opinions and makes decision on their own, but that will come with time”

Unfortunately it didn’t take very long for the council members to confirm what everyone has believed all along. The 3 recent votes on the budget, police director and the “time in grade” ordinance, proves without a doubt that Edison residents are faced with at least 2  years of Mayor Choi advancing his unethical agendas with full support of his Choiboys & girls.

The way the budget was recently approved borders on criminal while definitely insulting the intelligence of Edison residents. It is completely inconceivable that the new members understood the budget details in a few short hours. It is obvious they were following marching orders from Commander Choi.

With regard to the Police Director and the police ordinance change, PBA #75 and the professionals that came to their aid, successfully disputed all of the Mayor’s reasons for requesting a Director. Every bogus excuse made by Mayor Choi was completely and meticulously argued in front of this new council. The facts about State statutes, the experience and education of our current police command staff, and the legal limitations of a Police Director makes it obvious that the Mayor is once again, not doing what is best for the township, but is actually trying to add a politically appointed hatchet man to the payroll.  Our Mayor states that Police Director Collier is an outstanding individual and a man of integrity. We believe this to be true, so with that being said, it will be interesting to see how long Director Collier will be able to work for a Mayor with opposite traits. If anyone questions the effect of working for an individual like Choi, they should look at the Fire Department. When Norman Jensen retired as a Captain several years ago, he was respected by most. After nearly 2 years with Choi dangling the preverbal carrot in front of him, Jensen has lost all of that respect.

It is a shame that these council members couldn’t have been savvy enough to at least say “no” once. In doing so, some week hearted and naive residents may have bought into their “BS” about making their own decisions. Instead they opted to learn our Mayor’s way of doing business, which is with total arrogance, complete disregard for the taxpayer and the feeling of invincibility.

Fortunately, besides future elections, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Our Mayor has proven to have the dictator-like style that eventually “crosses” everyone who he comes in contact with. So maybe when they too, become prey to Mayor Choi, these council members will then have the opportunity to vote on issues with the residents of Edison in their hearts. Hopefully this happens prior to the completion of Edison Township’s Titanic like Journey.

REASONS WE ARE DEMANDING ACTING CHIEF JENSEN’S RESIGNATION

2008 TOWNSHIP BUDGET INCREASE

NOVEMBER 23, 2007 - Mayor Choi’s 2008 budget calls for a 14 percent increase. This comes to no surprise when you consider the very predictable and infantile game of double digit increases in non mayoral election year budgets and then a zero percent increase when the mayor is trying to fool the public into believing how financially prudent he is, all because he wants your vote.  These ridiculous but calculated antics are an insult  to the intelligence of the average tax payer. As reported in the Star Ledger on November 1, 2007,  police and fire pensions are again being blamed for a significant part of the increase. This worn out excuse used by politicians is an attempt to cover up their financial mismanagement and the lining of their own pockets. What they forget to tell you is why it is increasing and the millions of dollars saved in recent years on the backs of police and fire pensions.  The TRUTH is that Edison Township have saved over 10 million dollars in recent years on the backs of police and firefighters. In the late 1990's, our state legislators salivated over the health of our state run pension plan. They felt obliged to help themselves to our retirement future. They created a crafty scheme to completely forgo pension obligations for several years and then gradually increase contributions  for another five years until they reached the level of contributions that they were supposed to pay all along. In 2008, they will finally begin paying there full and fair share. This attack on our pension has accomplished several things, it has given our politicians a slush fund worth billions of dollars, it has significantly damaged the only guaranteed retirement fund  afforded to police and firemen and it has also given these unscrupulous politicians the excuse to use during this adjusted payment schedule that municipal budgets are on the rise every year because of police and fire pension increases. While the TRUTH is, that they are only now reaching the contribution levels that they have always been legally bound to.  Please keep in mind, besides  employer contributions, policemen and firefighters also contribute a large percentage of their weekly pay to fund their own pension. We have NEVER felt that taxpayer should be solely responsible for our pensions. In addition, police and firemen are not eligible for social security. With that being said, the township saves millions of dollars by not contributing to social security on our behalf. Therefore, after proudly serving our community for  25-30 years, our only retirement income is our pension.Please  allow me to equate this scenario to the private sector. If you work for a corporation such as AT&T. Your retirement will be based on a social security benefit, a 401k with a company match and possibly a corporate pension. In addition you may be eligible for stock options and yearly bonuses.  Imagine not being eligible for social security, bonuses or stock options. Your only retirement income becomes your 401k. Then imagine your employer not only stops contributions but when they resume their obligation, they threaten to lay you off due to their increased spending. That is what the proud and dedicated police and firemen of Edison Township and New Jersey have been facing for too many  years.

Employer Based Retirement Benefits:
Private Sector:                                                   Public Sector: (Police & Firefighters)
Social Security                                                                                   Pension
Company Matched 401k
Corporate Pension
Stock Options
Yearly Bonuses

In the past and most definitely in the future, you will hear local and state politicians attacking police and firefighters. You will hear  them blame most budget woes on our salaries and pensions. As the associations that represents the proud professional firefighters that risk their lives everyday to make sure that your loved ones and property are safe, we ask that you understand the facts stated above and stand up to these lying politicians as they continually attack the ones that are dedicated to protecting you.

RECENTLY PURCHASED PUMPERS UPDATE

NOVEMBER 19, 2007 - Recently our Mayor and Chief have boasted about the purchase of high quality fire apparatus. We continue to be very skeptical of the quality of these pumpers due to the unorthodox way that they were acquired and presented to the public.
As previously discussed, these engines were not consistent with typical specifications of Edison’s other fire apparatus and were not purchased new as our mayor and acting chief attempted to make you believe. Additionally, we wonder about the long term effect with regard to wear and tear when you consider that these pumpers toured the country as demo models prior to the township purchasing them. As previously reported, there were numerous mechanical problems with these engines while they sat idle for months prior to finally going into service.  Engine #12 was rushed into service without some very important equipment only after Councilwoman Ricigliano questioned Acting Chief Jensen as to it’s serviceability.  While E-12 has been operating fairly well, unfortunately, it is still in need of repair and much needed equipment have yet to be installed.  

Engine #2 on the other hand has bigger issues. While it has been out of service on serval occasions in it’s first couple of months of operation, engine #2 appears to be experiencing a major structural issue (see below). The sidewall of the engine that is made up of the compartments that hold all of our tools and equipment is separating from the main body of the engine. As the picture will show, it has been repaired by placing a steel bracket with a bolt on each side. Given the fact that well  over a quarter million dollars of tax payer money was spent on this supposed “spectacular” new piece of equipment, this sub par repair  should be considered completely unacceptable and the question as to the overall quality of these engines should be suspect.

We can only wonder what the future will bring and how many millions of dollars will be wasted if our acting chief continues spending tax dollars in this irresponsible fashion. We encourage you, the tax payers of Edison, to visit station #3 on Amboy Avenue to take a look  for yourself.  All fire stations are public buildings and your entrance should not be denied.   Additionally, we welcome your assistance in questioning our acting chief and mayor as to why tax dollars are being spent in this less than responsible fashion and why this “band-aid” is acceptable on a very expensive piece of life saving equipment.

PROTECTIVE STATION UNIFORMS

SEPTEMBER 20, 2007 - It is the primary concern of this association to ensure the safety of our members. Due to the unpredictable nature of our business, the first step to insuring that our members remain safe, happens prior to leaving their homes in the morning. Their station uniforms are required by PEOSHA and are protective by nature. PEOSHA requires that the employer supplies these uniforms to our members. Furthermore, our collective bargaining agreement requires the township to supply one set of uniforms per year. Past and present administrations have had problems adhering to this simple policy. While the manufacturer specifications clearly state that these uniforms only maintain their protective qualities for 3-5 years, this yearly allotment would assure that each firefighter posses 2 summer uniforms and 2 winter uniforms that still maintain their protective qualities. It is policy of the Edison Fire Department that dictates the need for a summer and a winter uniform.  Our records indicate that we are owed at least 3 uniforms. This simply means that our members are currently wearing old uniforms that may no longer protect them nor meet manufacturer and peosha requirements. Under the current administration and from their own admission,  the bid process has been slow and unsuccessful. Finally in May of 2007, a successful bid was awarded. On May 23, 2007, the town council granted  the administration the authority to spend the money necessary and enter into contract for fire department protective station uniforms. In the weeks surrounding the bid and the council’s approval, Mr. Cancro collectively assured local 1197 and Councilman Massaro that these uniforms would be expeditiously purchased. Throughout the summer, local 1197 officials were misled and misinformed by the administration when inquiring about these uniforms. In July we requested the purchase order for these protective uniforms  through the Open Public Records Act. We were informed by the township clerk, that there was “no such document”. On September 10, 2007 at a combined council meeting , President Yackel and several council members questioned Business Administrator Cancro as to the whereabouts of the life saving uniforms. Mr Cancro referred to inept bidding and the lack of money. Mr Cancro also stated publically and on the record that if the temporary budget was passed that evening, the purchase order for these uniforms would be issued the next day (9/11/07)  and that he would mail a copy to President Yackel. The temporary budget was passed that evening and President Yackel has YET to receive the purchase order publicly promised by Mr. Cancro.

We applaud and thank the council for demonstrating that our safety is of major importance to them..The council lived up to their words by approving the much needed uniforms as soon as it came before them.  On the other hand, we denounce the administration for once again displaying that the safety of the towns firefighters are NOT important to them based on the following reasons; for being unable to secure a bid for life saving equipment in a professional and timely fashion, claiming there was no money for these protective uniforms when in fact the 2007 financial report shows there was a several
million-dollar surplus in 2007 and for once again, saying they would do something and then never doing it.

UNANSWERED ETHICS COMPLAINT

AUGUST 20, 2007 - Mayor Choi wants everyone to believe that he is the master of reform. He states that under his leadership. “Edison is committed to serving the public and adhering to the highest ethical standards”
(http://www.edisonnj.org/mayorchoi/press/2006/11/ethics.asp)  He also boasts about the appointment of an Ethics Officer, Karen Infanger. On March 22, 2007, the attorney for Edison Firefighters Local 1197 filed an inquiry through the Edison Township Ethics Officer regarding an impropriety resulting from Acting Fire Chief Norman Jensen entering into a financial contract with longtime friend and Edison Volunteer Fire Chief, Walter Boychick, a principal in Fire Ground Technologies, a fire service training company.  (http://www.gemtor.com/fireground_pr.htm)

Shortly thereafter, Ethics Officer Karen Infanger acknowledged receipt of the charge and indicated that she would look into this matter.Edison Firefighters Local 1197 has always been a strong advocate for training. On a continuos basis, local 1197 executive board members  lobby the mayor, council members and chiefs for increased training to ensure that our members are best equipped for any emergency we are called to face. We do insist that training must be offered to all of our members and must  be done in a manner in which safety is paramount for both the student and to the remaining on-duty personnel. Unfortunately, that is were it becomes costly and therefore often put “on the back burner”. In these times of financial crisis, the business deal on behalf of the Edison Fire Department between Chief Jensen and Fire Ground Technologies appears to be unethical  due to three very important facts:1. Other training lectures contracted by Chief Jensen ranged from $250 - $700. The lecture provided by Fire Ground Technologies cost the taxpayers $1,000.2.  The financial dealings between these two individuals is self-dealing which is contrary to the higher standard of ethics adopted by the Township.3.  The topic of this lecture was  “Squad Company Operations” The Edison Fire  Department operates Engine Companies, Truck Companies and Transport Capable Rescue Companies. We do not operate any Squad Companies and therefore this
could be considered an irrelevant topic for training.

THE TRUTH: It has been 5 months since our very serious ethics inquiry was submitted to Mayor Choi’s handpicked Ethics Officer regarding the misuse of taxpayer money. After repeated unsuccessful attempts to contact Karen Infanger regarding this matter, it appears that nothing  has been done. Is it because Acting Chief Jensen was also handpicked by Mayor Choi?  Based on the above information , one can only assume that “ADHERING TO THE HIGHEST ETHICAL STANDARDS, ” DOES NOT APPLY TO MAYOR CHOI AND HIS HAND PICKED ADMINISTRATION.

RECENTLY PURCHASED PUMPERS

JULY 24 2007 - On June 1, 2007, Mayor Choi held a press conference boasting about his purchase of “the township’s newest public safety addition-  two much needed fire pumpers.” While he is correct in stating that  replacement equipment is long overdue,  Mayor Choi acts and would like the residents to believe that he is doing something above and beyond the call of duty. Truth being, for a Mayor to equip its fire department with  reliable equipment,  is the equivalent of an owner of a towing company supplying its drivers with tow trucks that actually tow vehicles.  In addition,  the Mayor repeatedly refers to these pumpers as new, when in fact they are both several years old. Acting Chief Jensen states “This is a great day for the Edison Fire Department. Beyond the obvious improvements to our firefighting capability, having this new equipment will lessen our maintenance costs.” We are not so sure about this, due to the unorthodox manner that these pumpers have been obtained, it leaves us to believe that these pumpers may turn out to be more trouble than they are worth. Normally, a city will purchase  a new fire engine based on its department’s needs, capabilities, standard operating guide lines, etc. In this case, Edison purchased used demo models. These pumpers do not match the specifications of previously purchased pumpers and most likely won’t match future purchases. One of many points that makes these pumpers totally ridiculous for the Edison Fire Department is the fact that they DO NOT physically fit in many of the townships fire stations and are being assigned based on where they physically fit and not where they are needed.  Mechanically, we question their overall condition and reliability. In Mayor Choi’s press release on June 1, he  stated that these pumpers would be “in action” next week, which would of been the week of June 4th.  The Truth is that the anticipated E-12 has yet to be put in service while the other pumper, E-2,  was not put in service until July 3rd and then taken out of service for mechanical problems on July 6th and remains “Out of Service” to this date. We also have safety concerns regarding the use of pumpers. Fire department guidelines require firefighters to deploy a back-up line in addition to the attack line during all vehicle fires.  Engine 2 which was stated to be especially useful for responding  to fires on the highways, only has one handline that is capable of being deployed in a safe manner. To deploy the “back-up line”,  firefighters will have to dangerously “hand stretch” a hose line across  several lanes of traffic on highways such as I-287, Route 1 and the New Jersey Turnpike.Once again, Mayor Choi and Acting Chief Jensen  have created a smoke screen, falsely leading  you  to believe that they have made major strides in ensuring  the safety of Edison’s residents and firefighters. THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE.Update: July 26,2007 ; Nearly two months  after Mayor Choi and Acting Chief Jensen publicly stated these pumpers would be put into “action,” E-2 has finally returned to service at station #3. The other pumper, E-12 ,  has yet to be put in service.  

http://www.edisonnj.org/mayorchoi/press/2007/06/fire.asp

MAYOR CHOI CAMPAGIN LIES

Fall 2005 During Mayor Choi’s  campaign, he addressed our membership in what appeared to be a sincere and honest forum. Jun Choi asked for our support and  convinced our membership that he had our safety and the best interest of the Edison Fire Department in his heart. He repeated several times that the safety and well being of township employees was paramount.

Spring 2007 While Mayor Choi  has completed a third of his term, thus far, his actions pertaining to the fire department and the safety of Edison’s  residents have been negative and  total  contradictions to his campaign platform. His inability to apply his
pre-election policies  are placing the taxpayers of Edison and it’s firefighters in GRAVE DANGER, a danger far worse than that of  previous administrations. We have given  Mayor Choi ample time to prove that OUR SAFETY and YOUR SAFETY is of major importance to him, unfortunately HE HAS FAILED TO DUE SO. Subsequently, the Edison Fire Fighters Association Local 1197 voted unanimously to execute a Vote of “NO Confidence” for Mayor Choi and his politically appointed Acting Fire Chief Norman Jensen. The following are examples of how Mayor Choi’s pre-election words and post election actions vary and are putting EVERY ONES LIVE’S IN DANGER.

  1. Prior to the Election, Jun Choi stated that he fully understood the increased dangers that we faced due to our inadequate staffing levels. He acknowledged  that the  minimum industry standards as set forth by NFPA 1710 was twice that of the levels that the Edison Firefighters were forced to adhere to. He acknowledged that continuing  to work so grossly understaffed could cost lives. Jun Choi stated that a replacement and hiring plan was necessary for increasing staffing and therefore increasing the safety of Edison’s residents and firefighters.

THE TRUTH:  Without regard for firefighters or residents safety, Mayor Choi cut 7 existing firefighters from the 2007 budget. Councilman Sal Pizzi & the council’s finance committee restored these positions in the 2007 budget. Mayor Choi went against the councils appropriations and only hired 3 firefighters while spending the remaining money elsewhere.

  1. Prior to the Election, Jun Choi stated that he was aware of and felt that the condition of our  apparatus was unacceptable . He shared a story with us that he was appalled when he saw a New Brunswick FD ladder truck respond to the Pines Manor for a small fire because our truck companies were continually out of service.

THE TRUTH:  Township fire apparatus are in worse shape than ever. Recently, a pick up truck with 5 inch hose in it’s bed was put in service in an attempt to replace an out of service fire engine.

  1. Prior to the Election,  Jun Choi stated that he felt the conditions of our firehouses were deplorable.

THE TRUTH: Firehouse conditions are continuing to worsen due to neglect. A simple carpet replacement was performed ONLY after being ordered by PEOSHA.

  1. Prior to the Election, Jun Choi acknowledged the critical condition of other fire department equipment  and vowed to improve all such equipment. He stated that he followed our recently publicized problems with our Zetron alerting system  and he felt that the way the previous administration handled this serious crisis was totally unacceptable.

THE TRUTH: Under Mayor Choi’s administration, our Zetron alerting system was once again out of service for several months putting our residents and firefighters in increased danger due to the delay in response caused by this system being out of service.

  1. Prior to the Election, Jun Choi stated that to help with budgetary restraints, he would be successful in securing  fire service grants such as ones provided by the Fire Act, S.A.F.E.R. Act and the Department of Homeland Security.

THE TRUTH: Mayor Choi and his administration has NOT secured any fire service grants, while neighboring towns have received hundreds of thousands of dollars in grants. IE: Colonia Volunteers FD $325,000 & Fords dist. #7 $99,125 in SAFER Grants, Scotch Plains FD $146,610 & Perth Amboy $195,696 in Assistance to Firefighter Grants. FURTHERMORE, in April, Mayor Choi  LOST a $170,00 Homeland Security grant that was awarded to the Edison Fire Department under the previous administration because it was not used. After more than a year passed without action by the township, the state took back all $170,000.

  1. Prior to the Election, Jun Choi vowed to take “politics” out of the promotional procedure within the fire department, which hopefully would afford the best possible candidates a chance for promotion.

THE TRUTH: There has been No formal or written change to the promotional procedure, therefore assuming
“Politics As Usual”