by JONATHAN LEMIRE
Fire Commissioner Nicholas Scoppetta's decision to sideline three FDNY officers in the wake of the fatal blaze at the Deutsche Bank tower sparked heated criticisms from union officials.
"The reassignment of these three fine officers is a knee-jerk reaction to divert attention from the fire commissioner's failed leadership," said Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy.
Uniformed Fire Officers Association President John McDonnell said the three were being made scapegoats by the commissioner.
"They are all outstanding officers," he said.
The verbal volleys represent a new low in relations between the two unions and Scoppetta.
In yesterday's action, Scoppetta disciplined the deputy chief and battalion chief in charge of the area around the doomed skyscraper, as well as the captain at the nearest firehouse.
Deputy Chief Richard Fuerch of Division 1, Battalion Chief John McDonald of Battalion 1 and Capt. Peter Bosco of Engine 10 were cited for failing to order required inspections twice a month and will be transferred to FDNY headquarters for the duration of the probe, Scoppetta said.
McDonnell disputed Scoppetta's claim that the officers had unilaterally decided to ignore a recommendation from Battalion Chief William Siegel to outfit their firefighters with specialized gear that would allow them to make the mandatory inspections of the toxic former Deutsche Bank building.
"These three men would not have made a decision on their own not to inspect that building," he said. "The FDNY at the highest level failed to provide guidance in this extraordinary situation."
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