02/16/2023
Mayor Byrne was mad as hell and told the media that only a small portion of the fire department walked out. But soon, more accurate figures emerged from the Union that 97% of all the department was out on strike. This figure was determined by the radio and phone systems put in place for the event. The Union regarding the strike, was more informed than the upper echelon of the fire department. The Fire Commissioner Richard Albrecht issued a directive for all fire department personnel to return to work. The order was broadcasted over the radio and television. But the directive failed and firefighters and paramedics across the city stayed out! “We have solidarity!” Muscare said with 97% of our Brothers and Sisters who walked out on strike. Members stood defiant, and some prayed around a wood-burning fifty-five gallon steel barrel on that first long night.