Stratford Firefighters Fired ‘For Getting Hurt On The Job,’ Union President Says

STRATFORD, CT — The president of the Stratford firefighters’ union is criticizing Mayor Laura Hoydick’s administration over the recent firing of two firefighters.

Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF 998 President Steven H. Michalovic notified members in a letter on Friday “with great concern and frustration” that Firefighters William Hertzog and Scot Sanford had been terminated that day.

Michalovic said Hertzog and Sanford have been out of work recovering from injuries sustained in the line of duty. An “alleged failure to provide a definitive return-to-work date” was cited for their termination, according to Michalovic.

“Let me be clear: neither of these members has reached maximum medical improvement, and there has been no medical consensus indicating that either of them will be permanently unable to return to duty,” Michalovic wrote in the letter. “To put it bluntly, these firefighters showed up, did their jobs, were injured while protecting the citizens of Stratford – and were subsequently fired for getting hurt on the job.

“These terminations are an alarming escalation in a pattern we’ve seen from this administration in recent years. Time and again, injured and ill members – firefighters simply trying to recover and return to service – have been subjected to undue pressure, disregard, and now outright dismissal.”

Michalovic said the union “firmly believes these terminations violate the collecting bargaining agreement, are without just cause, and reflect a failure to follow the principles of fairness and progressive discipline.”

“We have already initiated the grievance process and will pursue every available legal and contractual remedy to challenge these unjust actions and defend our members’ rights,” Michalovic wrote.

The union will hold a rally in support of Hertzog and Sanford at Stratford Town Hall from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, June 20.

Patch has reached out to Hoydick’s office for a response, but has yet to receive a reply.

UPDATE: Mayor Hoydick Issues Statement On Firing Of Stratford Firefighters