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Sunpaper - Letter to the Editor Riots
From: Michael Campbell
Date: May 07, 2015
More than a week has passed since the protest/riots in Baltimore and it’s time to take measure of what occurred and what didn’t from my perspective. As a member of the Baltimore City Fire Department and President of the Baltimore Fire Officers, Local 964 I’m in awe of the job the men and women of the BCFD did during these extremely volatile times. Our folks, along with Fire Fighters from surrounding jurisdictions were assaulted, accosted and had their lives placed in extreme danger by those who chose to loot, burn and tear apart the City that we swore an Oath to serve. We also witnessed individuals damaging our equipment while we attempted to protect the citizens of Baltimore and their property. And when the worst seemed to be over some of our folks returned to their firehouse after fighting numerous fires throughout our City only to find personal property damage to their vehicles!
Words are not enough thanks to those men and women who served with professionalism and a call to duty that transforms what they are called to do daily! With that said, I wish I could say the same about Baltimore’s Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Throughout the crisis that was center stage in the National, indeed global media, our Mayor displayed on numerous occasions that she simply wasn’t up to the task which was in direct contrast with the Fire and Police professionals. From the beginning she was slow to request assistance and when then confronted with thugs, punks and/or criminals roaming our streets she was willing to give them space, which not only put our folks in danger but also the numerous Police, business owners and the citizens who live in these affected areas.
While the Fire Fighters and Police were attacked with rocks, bottles and other objects meant to cause serious injury word began to spread that Mayor Rawlings-Blake had ordered the Baltimore Police Department to stand down and retreat if necessary instead of confronting the law breakers. When this was brought to light our Mayor chose to retreat as well and not respond to the numerous questions concerning her actions instead deciding to meet with Al Sharpton. At a press conference with Mr. Sharpton, Mayor Rawlings-Blake decided it was better to play the race card with Sharpton acting as her surrogate big brother and speak of “three black women at three levels not getting justice and healing for this community”! By allowing Mr. Sharpton to become a focal point the Mayor showed weakness and ineffectualness running a big time City during a major crisis. She later tried to deflect everyone’s’ attention by accentuating her bona fides concerning her leadership during times of snowfalls and earthquakes but if she really wants to talk about snowfalls and earthquakes she should speak to the folks in Boston and Nepal. They probably would have a different perspective!
In closing I`d like to point out the tremendous job done not only by the Baltimore Police Department but all law enforcement that came to our City in a tremendous time of need. These men and women protected all the Fire personnel from further danger with their presence. On fire scenes they wrapped our folks in a cocoon, so to speak, so we could do our job without interference. They also made a nice presence at the various fire houses. Not enough can be said of the National Guard who came and calmed an explosive town. Thanks as well to all the citizens who stopped by the fire houses either to drop off food and drinks or just to say “thank you”. Thanks also to the many businesses that did the same. Last but not least thanks to the schoolchildren who made thank you cards for all the fire fighters and are now displayed appropriately in the fire houses.
From: Michael Campbell
Date: May 07, 2015
More than a week has passed since the protest/riots in Baltimore and it’s time to take measure of what occurred and what didn’t from my perspective. As a member of the Baltimore City Fire Department and President of the Baltimore Fire Officers, Local 964 I’m in awe of the job the men and women of the BCFD did during these extremely volatile times. Our folks, along with Fire Fighters from surrounding jurisdictions were assaulted, accosted and had their lives placed in extreme danger by those who chose to loot, burn and tear apart the City that we swore an Oath to serve. We also witnessed individuals damaging our equipment while we attempted to protect the citizens of Baltimore and their property. And when the worst seemed to be over some of our folks returned to their firehouse after fighting numerous fires throughout our City only to find personal property damage to their vehicles!
Words are not enough thanks to those men and women who served with professionalism and a call to duty that transforms what they are called to do daily! With that said, I wish I could say the same about Baltimore’s Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake. Throughout the crisis that was center stage in the National, indeed global media, our Mayor displayed on numerous occasions that she simply wasn’t up to the task which was in direct contrast with the Fire and Police professionals. From the beginning she was slow to request assistance and when then confronted with thugs, punks and/or criminals roaming our streets she was willing to give them space, which not only put our folks in danger but also the numerous Police, business owners and the citizens who live in these affected areas.
While the Fire Fighters and Police were attacked with rocks, bottles and other objects meant to cause serious injury word began to spread that Mayor Rawlings-Blake had ordered the Baltimore Police Department to stand down and retreat if necessary instead of confronting the law breakers. When this was brought to light our Mayor chose to retreat as well and not respond to the numerous questions concerning her actions instead deciding to meet with Al Sharpton. At a press conference with Mr. Sharpton, Mayor Rawlings-Blake decided it was better to play the race card with Sharpton acting as her surrogate big brother and speak of “three black women at three levels not getting justice and healing for this community”! By allowing Mr. Sharpton to become a focal point the Mayor showed weakness and ineffectualness running a big time City during a major crisis. She later tried to deflect everyone’s’ attention by accentuating her bona fides concerning her leadership during times of snowfalls and earthquakes but if she really wants to talk about snowfalls and earthquakes she should speak to the folks in Boston and Nepal. They probably would have a different perspective!
In closing I`d like to point out the tremendous job done not only by the Baltimore Police Department but all law enforcement that came to our City in a tremendous time of need. These men and women protected all the Fire personnel from further danger with their presence. On fire scenes they wrapped our folks in a cocoon, so to speak, so we could do our job without interference. They also made a nice presence at the various fire houses. Not enough can be said of the National Guard who came and calmed an explosive town. Thanks as well to all the citizens who stopped by the fire houses either to drop off food and drinks or just to say “thank you”. Thanks also to the many businesses that did the same. Last but not least thanks to the schoolchildren who made thank you cards for all the fire fighters and are now displayed appropriately in the fire houses.
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