Incorrect Statement

BY MATTHEW O’ROURKE
 REPUBLICAN-AMERICAN 

“But his removal of a portrait of a young Chief St. John from the department’s walls earlier this year led some to question if he let a personal fight with St. John go too far.”

That is an incorrect statement. On more than one occasion did the subject of removing former Chief Ed St. John’s portrait from the hallway of Fire HQ come up, and on more than one occasion Chief Perrotti tried to block such a vote.  When a member insisted that his request be made into a motion, Chief Perrotti had no choice but to honor the motion.  The motion was seconded, and a vote was taken.  There was only one nay vote.  Chief Perrotti did not vote, since the Chair does not have a vote, except during ties.

To say that Chief Perrotti had anything to do with the removal of Mr. St. John’s portrait is absolutely 100% incorrect. It was the decision of the membership, not of the Chief. 

Conversely, it was only the decision of Chief St. John to put the portrait up in the first place. Where was his authority?

The characterization that this is a personal fight against St. John is again not correct.  What is correct is Mr. St. John’s constant attack on the Chief and the MVFD, that continues today through Mr. DeAngelis, and illustrated by St. John’s recent FOI requests at Town Hall regarding apparatus replacement documentation. History tells us that he did nothing about securing new apparatus from 2003 until he left office, yet now has an interest in the apparatus.

“Some members have quietly voiced frustration with Perrotti’s involvement in town politics, which they feel has kept the department in the spotlight for too long.”

Chief Perrotti and the MVFD were drawn into politics by former first Selectman Ed St. John, through his constant attacks on the organization and his appointment of a politically motivated fire commission.  The fire commission was a group of untrained, uninformed, politically charged individuals, that served as a roadblock between the MVFD and the BOS. During their tenure they delayed apparatus replacement decisions, attempted to interfere with fireground operations, and attempted to stall the repair of essential lifesaving equipment. The fire commission threatened firefighter and public safety.

When former First Selectman St. John made a move to make the temporary fire commission permanent, and created language in the Charter that would in-essence, take the vote for Chief away from the MVFD members, the Department, led by Chief Perrotti informed Middlebury residents of the destructiveness of such an action. The realization that the Fire Chief could be appointed by a fire commission, even if the Chief is not a firefighter was absolutely ridicules.  The Charter was defeated by almost a 2 to 1 margin in November of 2007.

Every single, solitary action made by Chief Perrotti is for the well-being of the Middlebury Volunteer Fire Department. As Chief, that is his number one concern. If some want to consider that political, then so be it.  

Chief Perrotti has been the hardest working Chief who ever held the office, and the MVFD has had some very hard working chiefs.  Since September 11, 2001, the role of Chief has increase exponentially. Paul Perrotti has met these challenges and in so doing, has raised the bar of being chief very high. The MVFD and the residents of Middlebury should be grateful they are blessed with such a dedicated, hardworking, and generous individual.