Hull Responds to Wilmington Firefighters Union's Vote of 'No Confidence' in Chief Bradbury

At Tuesday's Board of Selectmen meeting, Town Manager Jeff Hull read a letter to President of Wilmington's Firefighters Local 1370 Bill Cavanaugh in response to the Union's April 23 vote of "no confidence" in Wilmington Fire Chief Edward Bradbury.

In the letter, Hull said he and Cavanaugh met on Monday, May 20 to discuss the vote of no confidence. 

"As I expressed during our discussion, I believe it is in the best interest of the town to de-escalate the tension at the Fire Department and to establish a constructive dialogue to address issues that may exist," Hull wrote in the letter. 

In an April 23 letter to Hull and the Board of Selectmen explaining the vote of no confidence, the Union alleged the Chief:

• Took unwarranted disciplinary actions against certain union members.
• Refused to schedule required CPR recertification testing.
• Failed to promote and schedule regular safety training.
• Made "incendiary and false remarks about the physical/mental characteristics of firefighters under his command."
• Failed to keep regular work hours and did not inform staff as to where he was when out of the office.
• Threatened to "bankrupt" the union as retaliation for them forcing the Civil Service issue.

Hull said he believes the Union's concerns about Bradbury's conduct as Chief can be used to ensure compliance with Civil Service moving forward. 

"Your concerns about Chief Bradbury's prior residency and his promotions to Deputy Fire Chief and Fire Chief are issues that occurred in the past and cannot be undone," Hull said. "We can, however, learn from the past to guide us in ensuring compliance with Civil Service for residency and promotions going forward; and I am committed to doing that."

Hull said Bradbury had proposed the activation of a Safety Committee to address the Union's concerns regarding safety, and thanked Cavanaugh for the Union's willingness to be a part of the committee. 

"The committee will provide a forum to prioritize issues of greatest concern regarding safety and develop recommendations to address those concerns," Hull said.

These recommendations could include budgetary, contractual or capital related impacts and will be presented to Bradbury and Hull for consideration.

"Our collective responsibility at this point is to establish a productive working relationship," Hull said. "I ask you, as the Union's leader, to work with the Chief and me to engage in a dialogue that will bring about that productive relationship."

Quick Hits From Tuesday's Board of Selectmen Meeting:

• The Selectmen approved a request from the Aleppo Shriners for a one-day alcohol license for an event to benefit MBTA Transit Police Officer Richard Donohue on Saturday June 22 at 99 Fordham Road. The Selectmen also waived the fee for a one-day alcohol license. 
• The Selectmen recognized the Aleppo Shriners for support at the Sean Collier Memorial Services. Remembering Collier during the recognition, Chair Michael McCoy said "He ended up paying the ultimate price in giving his life in this new war on terror."
• Hull provided a status update on the Glen Road/Middlesex Avenue Intersection Improvement Project, which will cost approximately $800,000 and is scheduled to be ready for bid and construction in FY15. Hull noted "this is a disappointing time frame for the Town, as we could have been ready for construction several years ago. However, if we are requesting that MassDOT fund the construction of the project, we seem to have no choice other than to proceed on their schedule."
• In a letter to the town manager, DPW Assistant Superintendent James Magaldi notified the Board of Selectmen that DPW will be milling and paving a portion of Grove Avenue starting Friday, May 24. Paving is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, May 30 and Friday, May 31. Grove Avenue is planned to be closed in the eastbound direction at Lake Street between 7 a.m. and 3 p.m. when work is being done. The project is funded through Chapter 90 funding and is estimated to cost approximately $74,000.