Corner Brook firefighter union president suspended for comments

The president of the local firefighters union in Corner Brook has been suspended for comments he made in the media about the removal of a back-up fire truck in the city.

Peter Daniels, acting president of the local union, made comments to the Western Star after a back-up pumper truck was taken off service in June, meaning the city's firefighters could no longer respond to calls outside Corner Brook.

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Even with the pumper truck in service, the city has to charge a fee to respond to fires and vehicle collisions outside Corner Brook city limits.

Daniels said in the newspaper this was poor city planning, but the city didn't like the comment and suspended him.

Members of the local union said they are frustrated and management within the city has deteriorated, calling the suspension disheartening and demoralizing.

The mayor and fire chief didn't comment on the suspension Friday.

However, the city's code of conduct for employees says one example of misconduct is publicly criticizing the city, its staff or mayor.

Discipline options include suspension and suspension without pay.

It's not known at this time how long Daniels will be suspended.