Joe Riley has no shame.

[Shotunderit]

http://www.charleston.net/news/2008/...re_owner41293/

[Fish]

Oh, but running into a burning building for no reason at all had nothing to do with it.

Riley is an asshole. I wonder if they'll use taxpayer's money to build a monument in HIS honor?

[Turd Ferguson]

somebody needs to step on that fuck

[Claimer]

they are passing the buck now.

[dixiedeerslaya]

hes a douche bag

[Shotunderit]

Oh, but running into a burning building for no reason at all had nothing to do with it.

Riley is an asshole. I wonder if they'll use taxpayer's money to build a monument in HIS honor?

The new ballpark is named after the little deaf scumbag.

[Mergie Master]

"Riley said he still considers Thomas a "great fire chief," a dedicated, hardworking servant who performed his job to the best of his abilities. "I will not say the chief let us down," he said. "He worked hard and did the best he could."

In other words a Democrat.

[Greeny]

Please don't tell me that you're just now figuring out that Joe Riley is a pure piece of crap and only gets elected because he's got the millionaires in Charleston in his back pocket.

[Faith and Grace]

Please don't tell me that you're just now figuring out that Joe Riley is a pure piece of crap and only gets elected because he's got the millionaires in Charleston in his back pocket.

Don't forget about the black vote.

[LabLuvR]

As a firefighter approaching three decades on the job I have to say Riley's statement is pure denial. I've been kind of quiet on the Charleston situation but it's become quite clear to me, after reading the reports, what led to the tragedy. Now that most of the situation is public, I'm more comfortable giving an opinion fwiw.

The reports list numerous factors that contributed to the fatalities. What the report doesn't say but they could have said in just a few words is this:

"The Charleston F.D. is two decades behind most of America's urban fire departments in training and equipment." Period, end of story!

The only other major fire department I've seen so far behind modern times is the San Francisco fire department, but trust me, there are more. Charleston is not alone by any means. Fire departments which have been around for long periods of time tend to get caught up in a deadly trap with their thinking. They believe what has worked, will always work, and their city is unique in how to fight a fire. Nothing could be further from the truth.

These older fire department rarely attend training outside of their own city. By not going to places such as the National Fire Academy, they miss out on vital developments and improvement in strategies, tactics and equipment updates.

The above is where Rusty failed. He ived and breathed Charleston for so long, without exposure to any other methods or ideas, that he stayed decades behind critical improvements in the above areas. This is imho why the tragedy unfolded the way it did.

Disclaimer: My opinion above is just that, and derived from what I have read or seen from news accounts. My intent was not to Monday morning quarterback the Charleston FD but to offer a different view from Mayor Riley's.

[Shotunderit]

Please don't tell me that you're just now figuring out that Joe Riley is a pure piece of crap and only gets elected because he's got the millionaires in Charleston in his back pocket.

I've known about Riley for over 30 years. I don't mean to correct you, but your opinion on who is in his back pocket and how he gets elected is WAY off. Most old family types hate his ass. How does he keep getting re-elected? Well, we don't refer to him as "Little Black Joe" for nothing.

[Greeny]

For living in Charleston for 30 years before moving to Columbia, I know whose votes he can always count on, and yes, he does have the black vote, and I neglected to mention that. All of the SOB families I know love him and would vote for him if he were dead and his name was just still on the ballot.

[Mayor of Duckville, SC]

"The Charleston F.D. is two decades behind most of America's urban fire departments in training and equipment." Period, end of story!
Fire departments which have been around for long periods of time tend to get caught up in a deadly trap with their thinking. They believe what has worked, will always work, and their city is unique in how to fight a fire. Nothing could be further from the truth.

These older fire department rarely attend training outside of their own city. By not going to places such as the National Fire Academy, they miss out on vital developments and improvement in strategies, tactics and equipment updates.

I aggree with that!!! one thing I have noticed when something happens major we always have a training class on it a few days later. (ie:Clorine spill, Collapse) I will say that we have a great training division and T.O. at that! As well as great people.

[Shotunderit]

For living in Charleston for 30 years before moving to Columbia, I know whose votes he can always count on, and yes, he does have the black vote, and I neglected to mention that. All of the SOB families I know love him and would vote for him if he were dead and his name was just still on the ballot.

How long have you been gone?