I recently received a flyer in the mail from “Concerned Citizens For An Honest Fire Dept.” It had no return address or contact information as to just who these concerned citizens are. It goes on for 8 pages to be a “witch hunt” to demoralize and cut down the members of the Florence Fire Department, a volunteer group. It amazes me that a few people can hide behind a flyer with no names, no address, and no contact information. If they do not have the courtesy to say who they are, what are they hiding from? It is like they are a political lobbyist group that is not registered as such. Is that legal, as this is about a public election? Even if it may be legal, it is a pretty low down tactic.
Let me also say that I recently had the need to use the Fire Department for a medical emergency. I can give them nothing but praise as to their professionalism and care. The response time was great, and they were the best in my book. I personally know one of the board members, who gives of her time and guidance relentlessly. The key word here is “VOLUNTEER.” These members give many hours of service to this community.
I strongly urge the voting public to support the current leaders, members, and hard workers of this GREAT local Fire Department.
Bill Swendsen
Florence
Tom Kim says
Mr B “TF” Sodagar, I read the letter to which you refer, and the part about the sex offender seems to be more concerned with the handling of the matter by the chief and the board. You seem to take it very personally, so why not use your real name? It is also quite obvious that the rest of that letter is concerned about various felony criminal acts being committed by department officers and board members, with no apparent accountability. The district residents have a right to know if a registered sex offender is entering their homes and supervising their minor cadet children at the fire hall, and they also have a right to know what is being done with their tax money that is used to fund the Florence FD. When FFD Funds in the neighborhood of $100,000.00 illegally ends up in the pockets of the chief and his father, there needs to be accountability. When the various forms of fraud being committed by department members and board members go on without end, something needs to be done. Several former depart members, including Don Allen and “Mr. W” presented their concerns to the board, and nothing was done by the board except a pretend investigation and numerous lies issued to the public in board meetings. The chief and the board did have their chance to fix the problems, but didn’t, and won’t. It is obviously too profitable not to, and little Charwie doesn’t want to give up his white hat. Don’t be surprised when federal agents descent upon Florence FD like fire ants on a grasshopper. The letter to which you refer did give names and contact phone numbers, one for the former board chairman and one for another former board member, whom were willing and did in fact verify that the information in that letter was correct to over 100 different callers. So, if the former board chairman, who only resigned a few months ago, can verify all of that, what is your issue? Everything that letter appears to be verifiable by public documents, ledgers, and the Maverick Management Report, which is available from the fire hall. That report clearly documents felonies by the chief and at least one board member. You don’t seem to be interested in specifics, but is is specifics that are important here. If officers and board members of this fire department can commit fraud, public document falsification, criminal negligence, theft, nepotism, witness tampering, perjury, felony retaliation, and more without hesitation or conscience, where does it go next? The only “debauchery” is currently coming from WITHIN the department. The people you attack in your idiotic response only want a fire department that is honest, accountable, and has a genuine desire for public safety and to help the people of the fire district. That hasn’t existed at Florence FD for many years. But, it will. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but they do turn
B. Sodagar says
I WAS shocked to find out what the circumstances were and it does matter. To be charged with rape by angry parents when our 18 and your girlfriend is 16, and then waiting until she turns of age, to get married and move from the east coast to start over here in Florence ….yet still have to register as an offender is so sad in itself. Shame on Don allen for writing this garbage. He is a a disgusting, lying, non-professor of math, who wants to be in charge of the fire department board, for him to mail out 1000 slanderous, liable flyers, to select Florence residents, at a cost of $2500.00, while Lambson is out of town, he should have to conform to political ad campaign rules, and be disqualified directly.
I don’t know who the people at the Cowboy Church are, but I do know it is located behind the Bum Steer. You might want to call the Florence Carlton Church and ask that they sever this ministry affiliation immediately. Keith O’brian obviously has a hand in this debauchery and should be accountable to the taxpayers for his continous harrassment of fire department volunteers, board and the legal bills incurred.
Don Allen, Donna Allen and the 3rd person, will certainly not receive my vote. I believe Mr. W, wants to be firechief so badly he stooped to scumbag level and just made a grave error allowing these clowns to attempt to represent him…..vote Charlie Lambson all the way! Please excuse my typos!