I presented this petition to the members of GBFD at the February 2010 monthly meeting. It was signed by the overwhelming majority of members present. It was then turned over to President Al Melillo and Chief Walter Hughes. I have no verification that this petition made it to the attention of the Fire District.
February 3rd, 2010
To the Board of Fire Commissioners,
The members of the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department held their February Monthly meeting on Tuesday February 2nd. At this meeting the circumstances surrounding the morning of January 26th, 2010 were discussed in regards to the structure fire at the Deer Park Tavern. Captain Brian Lynch reviewed his understanding with the department the events of the evening in question. Captain Lynch asserted after discussions with 1st Assistant Chief John Barrett that Chief Barrett was not intoxicated from alcohol consumption as was commonly believed by some individuals. Chief Barrett was in fact impaired on the evening in question due to a combination of prescription sleeping medication and Vicks Formula 44 cold medication. The department discussed and agreed upon that Chief Barrett was reportedly acting out of character and in direct conflict to his personal safety and in turn nearly jeopardizing the safety of other firefighters.
It was asserted by Captain Lynch that Chief Barrett’s service to the Golden’s Bridge Fire Department is a crucial component of the department’s success. It was asserted that Chief Barrett’s knowledge and leadership moving forward would greatly benefit the department, district and community. Captain Lynch read the attached petition to the department after reviewing the circumstances and a department discussion on the evening in question. Captain Lynch asked the members present at the meeting to voluntarily sign the attached petition as a gesture of solidarity and a vote of confidence in support of Chief Barrett.
We respectfully submit the attached petition for your consideration based upon the facts that are known today.
