Despite a vote of no confidence in Duggan, firefighters union President Michael Hatch believes the union can continue working with the chief to ensure public safety.
A city investigation found no merit to complaints about Chief Brian Duggan (shown after his swearing-in as chief in 1998).NORTHAMPTON — Mayor David J. Narkewicz expressed his continued support for Fire Chief Brian Duggan Friday as he released the results of a city investigation that found no merit to grievances against the chief by the firefighters’ union.
Northampton Fire Fighters Local 108 made public last week a vote of no confidence taken against Duggan by its membership earlier this month. In an accompanying statement, union President Michael Hatch listed the union’s grievances against the chief, maintaining that Duggan was using his office for personal advancement and had endangered the public by putting money and resources into unnecessary items at the expense of vital equipment and adequate staffing.
In her investigation of the allegations, Human Resources Director Glenda Stoddard reviewed about a dozen documents, including the collective bargaining agreement between the union and the city, the minutes of various Public Safety Committee meetings, the “no confidence” vote and Duggan’s written response to it. In each of the 11 allegations, Stoddard found either that there was no merit to the claim or that Duggan was acting within his authority as head of the department in the best interests of the city.
“Based on these findings, I recommend that no adverse action be taken against Chief Brian Duggan,” Stoddard wrote.
Among her findings, Stoddard disputed the union’s claim that Duggan was reaping a windfall in overtime, saying that the chief does not receive any overtime. His staffing decisions are consistent with the city’s “best practices” model, she said.
Regarding the union’s complaint that Duggan has neglected to budget for a replacement fire engine, Stoddard noted that he has been advocating for one unsuccessfully since 2005. She found no evidence that the city paid $30,000 for Duggan to take management training at Harvard, saying that less than $10,000 was spent for the training and that it was approved by the mayor.
Although Narkewicz noted that such personnel matters are generally not subject to public disclosure, he said he released the report at Duggan’s request.
“The Local 108 Executive Board and all firefighters need to understand that Chief Duggan has both my confidence and support and will continue to command the Northampton Fire Department,” Narkewicz wrote. “I urge them to follow the chief’s example, and work together to move the department forward.”
Although Local 108 asked the city to look into its allegations, Hatch said Friday that he doesn’t trust Narkewicz’ report.
“We obviously have a hard time respecting the report due to lack of transparency,” he said, adding that he would like to see a party unaffiliated within the city investigate Duggan.
Despite Stoddard’s findings, Hatch was adamant in insisting that Duggan’s main focus is on his career and not the Fire Department. He rejected suggestions by Duggan and Narkewicz that the “no confidence” vote was an attempt to gain leverage in ongoing contract matters between the city and the union.
“This has absolutely nothing to do with bargaining,” he said.
Despite the vote of no confidence, Hatch believes the union can continue working with the chief to insure public safety.
“Our members have a lot of pride in the work we do and the city we serve,” he said. “Our goal, first and foremost, is to protect the citizens of Northampton.”
Saying his office door is always open to the rank-and-file, Duggan also pledged to work cooperatively for the sake of the city. He added, however, that it takes two sides to work together.
“This is an opportunity for everyone to focus away from politics and focus on working together,” he said.
