SO...WHAT'S UP WITH THAT LAWSUIT, ALEX?
In some circles, mostly political, the issue of the lawsuit against the Town by a former Fire Department applicant has served as the “Miracle-Gro” of many suppositions about my actions as the former Fire Chief.
As any lawyer will advise, I should not run amuck with the specifics. That is good advice and fits well with moving on. The simple fact is that a Federal Judge dismissed the case upon completion of only the plaintiff’s side of the case. This case has allowed for a concurrent environment of supposition and implications about my tenure as Fire Chief, so please allow me a brief regress into that record. I always acted in a manner consistent with professional standards and with the interests of the Town first and foremost from a public safety aspect.
If you have any doubt, I invite you to brush the smoke and mirrors aside that are related to the fact I am now a selectman (who fought hard to replace an 18 -year incumbent) and get a clear look at my record as Chief.
Look at the caliber of the Fire Department services and the character of its members. Despite rapidly escalating demands in emergency medical services and the complexity of Fire/Rescue operations, I am proud of how the Department has responded and feel privileged to have served as its Chief.
This lawsuit is based upon the beliefs of one person who came to Littleton with the hope of getting a job in a great organization of dedicated and selfless people. This person made his choice of how to respond to his disappointment in not being chosen for the job. You are free to hold your own opinion of what the right choice was for Littleton.
From time to time, a chief will find himself in the line of fire because he or she will have to make decisions that others may not like; decisions like enforcing rules, taking disciplinary action and preserving the public trust in the organization and its members. Sometimes, that doesn't quite match the political viewpoint and sometimes,that's fatal when a Chief persists; I did persist and the career I loved is over. That was then.
I now ask that you look at my record as Selectman, a very different role, but like Fire Chief, it is one dedicated to the service of others; to openness, professionalism, teamwork and the greater good. I am a believer in democracy without political trickery.
Perfection will never be a “goal” on my resume, but a solid record of the spirit of service to this community is my goal. Perhaps now I can move forward without being politically ambushed by those with a stubborn connection to unsubstantiated notions about the past.
posted by Alex McCurdy at
2:37 PM
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