Several firefighters quit after Metro East chief replaced

[@aretailcashier450]

i spent six years in the fire department. at every turn, i was told (and i agree with) that an arson charge will blacklist you from becoming a firefighter

[@bigmac22ify]

I mean, it only makes sense

[@Snyder9e]

@@bigmac22ify how so? sometimes people ask for a different kind of previous experience, no?

[@StevenEatsAlone]

It just means they're passionate about firefighting. The'll start on to put it out

[@AndrewBarsky]

An arsonist turned firefighter, hmm. They’ll find new blood without the stain of a conviction.

[@HiCon37]

Always remember, the "higher ups" get to skirt all rules and regulations. I commend these men for standing up for whats right.

[@armageddonready4071]

I’m a honorable discharge veteran with a felony. I couldn’t volunteer at the FD because of it. That guy obviously has some good friends in high places.

[@Einwetok]

Obviously some bureaucrat sugar daddy flexing, can't wait to hear how it plays out down the road.

[@thespaceelefant2441]

What's the felony for tho

[@jeffafa_70]

It was clearly said that he was pardoned.

[@armageddonready4071]

@@thespaceelefant2441 PTSD from the marine corps and self medicating. So basically NOTHING dangerous.

[@Mike__B]

@@jeffafa_70 Yes he was pardoned AFTER he was appointed to his job, he plead guilty in a court of law way before this. So how was he allowed to be a fire fighter in the first place, much less work his way up to be the fire chief? This was before he was pardoned. Oh yeah the news neglected to mention his father is the long time director of the county emergency management services so yeah... as the OP said he has some good friends in high places, and now we can see how he was able to work there.

[@1AXMRDR]

Legend has it that this fire department's shirtless calendar didn't sell well.

[@gavinvideos8062]

😂 not sure I’d want them on the scene of a fire anyways

[@itsAmeOFP]

That department has *b i g g e r* problems

[@DanielWSonntag]

Seriously

[@frank6236]

Pal, it might not suit your fetish, but maybe someone else´s.

[@dmr8914]

What a pathetic cheap misandrist thing to say under these circumstances

[@hugokatz]

It must be nice to have your hobby and profession align. He likes fire so much he just had to be the fire chief. Sort of like making the town bully the police chief.

[@browningbelgium2326]

Or a guy who poisoned his family suddenly gets a head chef's job .

[@saltyhumansWX]

Probably can’t pass the new PT test

[@Mister_Rat_]

20 year old crime. ah yes

[@kingoftrolls19]

​@min4585 exactly sucks when your young and dumb and it haunts you for rest of your life. It's not like this dude is a career criminal setting fires.

[@phcusnret]

@@kingoftrolls19 Since you all think that this guy deserves another chance, maybe you should move there and show your support.

[@philipsmith4849]

If 90% of the workforce quits when you do something chances are you have done the wrong thing. Undo it.

[@andrewilliams6367]

Or people are lazy and complacent and like the old ways and doesn’t want to change. Sorry but how is dude a fire fighter but can’t run a mile without probably collapsing. Dude in the orange handing in his gear was at least 300 pounds. Who the hell is he saving? The donut shop?

[@JuniorJuni070]

for a mistake 20 years ago when he was immature which isnt even murder .

[@caelestigladii]

@@andrewilliams6367Sentence1: Old or new ways are irrelevant. That is not the issue. The issue is about a convicted criminal. Sentence 2++: You have a point. No other volunteers, maybe? If so then the council just antagonized everyone willing to serve for free.

[@derekconstantino7759]

​@@JuniorJuni070a mistake? Setting fire to a home on purpose isnt a "mistake".

[@headwrinkle9896]

Or maybe you shouldn't have chosen to be a fire chief AFTER THEY SET FIRE TO SOMEONES PROPERTY

[@mark_sturzbecher]

New Chief's practice drills are a tad too realistic for the old fire crew.

[@chrisbrimhall1613]

As a 30 plus year veteran of the fire service I am shocked this city hired an ex-arsonist as their fire chief…..

[@josephhodges9819]

He was pardoned which means they could not hold it against him without a massive lawsuit.

[@Mister_Rat_]

he was an arsonist and then he was a fire fighter for god knows how many years. Seems to me like they did the right thing in looking past his previous crime.

[@Steve-cu1ye]

Alot of terrorist that attached America were first responders

[@Steve-cu1ye]

If he was worried about safety his firefighter would be in better shape😂😂😂😂😂

[@Steve-cu1ye]

I was almost killed by paid firefighter who were trying to full paid department and got 70 ticket for running a blue light to a structure fire so stop lying about first responders😂😂😂😂 and they never got more firefighter but lost 50 part time fire fighter stop acting like it hard to run into a burning building

[@johnmagill7714]

Nothing they can do. But yet the can fire a good chief, and hire one that causes half the dept to quit. Each of them saying they don't feel safe working for him. How did someone go from being a arsonist, to a Fire Dept Chief? Surely there's got to be someone far more capable. This stinks of corruption somewhere. He knew someone to get him that job.

[@brianloveless2717]

20 years, growing up, maturing. In your mind there is no moving on no forgiveness just once guilty always guilty. What an ignorant stance to take.

[@thesketchyleo3038]

@@brianloveless2717 And your dad being head of the County's EMA and friends with the Governor

[@joehyundaitech7961]

the same thing happened in my former fire department so i know how they feel we had a member who set fires in the fire dist and than ran for chief of office and won he became chief of the dept for a number of many years and while he is no longer chief he is still a member of this all vol dept and what makes it even worse is he was hired by the fdny as a employee

[@TheDoug2103]

small micro dept by number of personal , but by weight they are one of the biggest fire depts in the state.

[@mircoh.8367]

This is amazing to me. In Germany, there are only very select criteria that warrant removal from a volunteer FD: voluntary quitting, not being able to legally make decisions (e.g. being in prison or severely mentally ill) or being convicted of Arson. Like if you did it ever you're out/not getting in, period.

[@user-ec2kd8sz3t]

It's kind of like promoting a military general who was once convicted of treason... wtf.

[@meganod279]

Maybe for the fire department yes, but Germany is nearing in corruption the US. I've seen countless unqualified people getting high positions that they don't deserve.

[@stoneagepig3768]

Same here in Britain, convictions for a crime like that basically mean you try your luck in the private sector (as long as the job doesn't put you around vulnerable people ie kids, elderly sick/disabled etc...) and hope you're given a chance or you work in construction. I know a woman who applied for a part time job cleaning in a small police station and was refused because a very distant relative who she hardly knows at the other end of the country has a criminal record. Fire chief with an arson conviction? Ridiculous

[@Ortian9]

Maybe you should aslo say, that here in germany your felony will be deleted after at most 20 years(depending on the crime and prison sentence) and well he didnt kill anyone, so quite unlikely that he would need to wait 20 years here.. So yeah, here in germany he would be allowed to work as a fire chief right now...

[@levi-lukesmith3504]

Yes but the fire chiefs in Bavaria where I am at least have to be voted in by a majority of the firefighters themselves in the department. The city can cast one vote but does not get to decide.

[@Highland_Moo]

Wow…..watching this, (albeit late to the party), from my home in the Scottish highlands. Our fire service is also made up of teams of retained, (volunteer), firefighters and the thought of those guys having a convicted arsonist thrust into such a position is just mind boggling. Surely that can’t be legal…..never mind moral issues. The fact Jerome still lived in the area after being kicked-out of the fire service after his conviction proves he’s got no shame, I couldn’t image living in the same place had I caused such a disgusting couple of acts. The board of Trustees should’ve been binned for this, (and all the other terrible things they did), and I’ll never understand their reasons for showing such contempt for the firefighters who risk their lives to keep that community safe. I’m absolutely disgusted by this. Sending my love and respect, (from one emergency responder to all), to the firefighters and the community who were shown such disrespect.

[@AHomelessDorito]

Disgusting and shameful that a felon like that can be elevated to such a place putting communities in danger. Wonder who his friends are

[@bcarter9252]

his friends are christians who can forgive a 20 year old mistake. Look in the mirror

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

Dude made a mistake almost 20 years ago and turned his life around but people like you are what's wrong with the world

[@nickdonovan1447]

They are democrats for sure

[@Einwetok]

@@bcarter9252 Try that with a predator, we'll wait.

[@nvgboiyes6386]

You should still forgive, if hate prevails then everyone is screwed.

[@bojanglesthewizard8875]

Question is, whats the real reason they fired the last chief?

[@spilq7125]

the arsonist has friends in higher places

[@xlbeanboi2653]

@@spilq7125 my guess... he was a raper

[@brianloveless2717]

Another moronic statement. Good job.@@spilq7125

[@os2958]

This is the missing part of the story.

[@rickuyeda4818]

Jesus, those are some of the most over weight firefighters I've ever seen.

[@jameslashley3970]

That's not the topic .

[@baylorsmith5610]

@@jameslashley3970 Maybe not the topic, but pretty dang hard not to notice the absolute obesity of guys who allegedly swore an oath to uphold a standard. It’s shameful and unacceptable.

[@dingleberry2227]

@@jameslashley3970 correct. But it's a VERY good point.

[@justintarvid]

Volunteer status is usually quite different from a paid professional fire fighter.

[@spookrockcity]

He's just a corn fed country boy who wanted to help

[@JohannesWOW]

The health of this department needs looked into as well.

[@justinsmith4562]

haha true. Too much bacon for breakfast haha

[@magustobias8827]

yeah I didn't wanna be that guy, because I get it, they have reason to question putting someone in charge of a fire department who committed acts of arson, but at the same time... I thought we were working towards not stigmatizing people's past mistakes and wrongs if they've reformed. And... Yeah... I wouldn't feel safe if my fire department was run by and filled with people who by their presentation, don't look like they're gonna act with swiftness and strength.

[@Bhunnidb]

Big boys over there

[@TowMater603]

I and 9 other workers quit too when our boss got 'let go' back in 2003. we refused to work with the 'new guy' that replaced him. so i feel this.

[@brianloveless2717]

Why?

[@TowMater603]

@@brianloveless2717 Why ? simple , we believed that our boss at the time was not guilty of what the company was blaming him for. we stood by him and not only that , that man was a Great boss. he was fair , but still a friend. he was strict when need be , but it was total BS what they did to him. So at the end of our work day , we walked into the main office and told the powers that be that we all quit. It was more of a statement more than anything. if the company was going to screw a awesome guy that did nothing wrong , then we were all going to screw them back.

[@nimarus3118]

Seems he got a pardon due to connections. His father was Mayor of East Carondelet and also served as the town's police chief. He's also head of the County Emergency Management Agency and sits on many influential boards in the Metro East Region. So it sounds like his father pulled favors to get his son a pardon. Simmons claims he was "at the wrong place at the wrong time" and only took the plea deal to avoid a prison sentence. I've tried to see if I could find out who is the current Fire Chief, so I can only assume he still works there. I have learned, however, that he also picked up work as a part-time police officer. Something he couldn't do until he got pardoned.

[@brianloveless2717]

Or maybe he matured, grew up, became a good citizen and losers would forgive and shut up.

[@Coffeeman-yq6xu]

Heck. I'd rather serve under Fire Marshall Bill (Jim Carrey - In Living Color) than an convicted arsonist.

[@coffeeaddictexpress5038]

I think you might regret that lol. Fire marshal Bill was psycho lol.

[@EagleFang48]

We know who fire Marshall bill is you don’t have to spell it out

[@coffeeaddictexpress5038]

@@EagleFang48 lol I never meet anyone who knows who I’m talking about when I mention fire Marshal Bill.

[@EagleFang48]

@@coffeeaddictexpress5038 oh man in living color was amazing. Anyone who didn’t live that show was living under a rock. It’s when comedy was actual comedy. -Vera Cruz

[@coffeeaddictexpress5038]

@@EagleFang48 lol my husband didn’t get to watch any of them when they were on, he didn’t have that channel and no cable.

[@deetown7366]

Anybody else wouldn't of been on the damn fire department with that record let be honest. That means a felon can squash his record and become a police down there.

[@calanon534]

Hey, illegal aliens can now be cops in California...

[@jgamer2228]

Wouldn’t have*

[@Oni939]

you “corrected” a error made a on a comment a year ago, crazy

[@beertlont776]

​@@Oni939I hope he got something out of it. Stil super weird right?

[@billycrossing5205]

Gets worse and worse? so question is who this guy is related or friends to? I love the way the smart smart comment was said "we accepting resignations also" and was so shocked when someone tossed his uniform in, lol, lmao. Maybe we can get these guys to choose a bank robber to run a bank? LMAO. I love the Democrap gov. gave him a pardon, could you imagine what they are thinking? "If the governor likes him, I bet he will make a good chief, he knows all about how they start"? lol. Yet we only know one side of the story so let's find out the other?

[@Mopki3]

"board members say they have good reasons for making the change but they have not made those reasons public" "Jerame Simmons is the son of Herb Simmons, the long-time director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency" "Democrap" You must think Trump was Democrap.

[@donwan7181]

@@Mopki3 if Trump was a Democrap then they wouldn't be going after him like they are... 😂 He's the best president we've had in decades.

[@Einwetok]

@@Mopki3 He actually was before ne switched parties🤣

[@lynnetrathen4587]

You can change management BUT you don’t replace with a convicted arsonist 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ seriously wtf is wrong with these people 🤬

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

He was 17-18 when he did it, nobody got killed or hurt, he was pardoned, he has since helped stopped fires for nearly 20yrs, and now he’s promoted. What’s the big problem?

[@siege2928]

​@divisionagentbailey6727 he, as a person purposefully set fire to a home and school property. He will never have the trust of the people working at the fire department that have to risk their lives fighting fires, often for no payment at all, due to these very same crimes. You want a mass shooter and drug kingpin as a police cheif? How about someone who's been proven to have embezzled funds and to overturn elections to be a political leader? How about a military officer with a proven record of putting the men and women's below them into unnecessary danger or even have committed friendly fire? All sounds stupid right? This is exactly the same.

[@JPF941]

@@divisionagentbailey6727 maybe do some research of your own on Arsonists behavior and you will answer your own question. All being pardoned means is you sucked up to the governor's staff enough to get it put on the governor's desk, it's meaningless.

[@DeepDownInTheOcean]

@@divisionagentbailey6727 The slowness is unreal.

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

@@DeepDownInTheOcean IKR. Have you seen the other comments man? I can’t believe them either.

[@Anonymit]

It blows my mind that in all crimes someone could commit and all the jobs someone could get and that's the one he commited and the job he went for, such a weird world

[@NostyFripples]

Weird…or corrupt?

[@mastercharlesdiltardino8058]

Eh, he likes fire.

[@Nysvarth]

Most likely in his mind he wants to make amends for his actions, but being an arsonist should absolutely disqualify him from being a firefighter. No matter how much he loved fire.

[@jameslashley3970]

Unbelievable, hire a man that was charged with arson.

[@BadassName17]

Criminals get treated better than law abiding citizens. They even give ‘em nice comfy jobs in leadership.

[@kiryuchan244]

Bro got his life in check from a crime over 20 years ago, 20 years-

[@BadassName17]

@@kiryuchan244 This is grown up talk, boy. Stay out of it.

[@kiryuchan244]

@@BadassName17 I’m more sensible than you are, that is very clear. You’re the type of person to hold a grudge on someone for ages, even if they changed a new leaf. You are a man-child- the only accountability of adulthood you have the privilege is in the word man-child, and that is it.

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

@@BadassName17If it’s grown up talk then you’re excluded kid

[@Fultonfalcons86]

Whoa that is a violation of procedure on the fire department they have laws where they can not hire that guy sounds like to me the new guy has some dirt on the higher ups

[@backandforthupanddow]

I have two child hood friends, both firefighters for big cities in the Phoenix area. Both of them lit fires when they were younger. Mostly dumpster. They’d even wait around from a distance to watch the response. Odd behavior to say the least.

[@chasingthefish9042]

It's shockingly common for firefighters to commit arson.

[@dewmontain123]

​@@chasingthefish9042😂😂 thats hilarious. The problem and the solution. Job security

[@jamesmatheson5115]

Lots of our wild fires where i live are actually lit by volunteer fireman.

[@stormwildthing5321]

Just seen this clip, it is indeed terrible, I hope you stopped being their friend when you found out about the arson,

[@j0rbo]

@@stormwildthing5321why would he stop being their friend 😂

[@roadwarrior144]

Why was a “change in leadership” required? How can some one commit arson not once but TWICE be pardoned and then hired to be Fire Chief? I am not understanding this.

[@truthhurts95]

What I'm not understanding is how people like you wake up and look yourself in the mirror who are you to want a man's livelihood taken away for mistakes he made 20 years ago as a 18 year old kid you really gonna sit there all high and mighty acting like you didn't do stupid stuff as a teenager grow up and find Jesus sir stop throwing stones out of that closet I'm sure is full of skeletons

[@NostyFripples]

@@truthhurts95 Wow you’re clearly projecting. So by your logic you should have no problem with a pedo babysitting your kid as long as he served his sentence lmfao Holy fk critical thinking is dead Btw they fired the current chief to replace him w that pardoned arson have you ever heard of morale or had a job where you must trust the people you work with bc lives depend on it…smh

[@rasalghul202]

corruption

[@djlouyang98]

Corruption and him knowing people in higher up to pull some strings

[@damonr4136]

They hired someone convicted of arson to be the fire chief? That's the stupidest thing I've ever heard.

[@andythoms8130]

He messed up 20 years ago, maybe he joined the fire department after realising his massive mistake and wanted to give back because of his guilt. Isn't that usually applauded??

[@josephhodges9819]

@@aaaaaaaaaa359 He was pardoned and if he was qualified for it and they did not hire him because of what he did prior to being pardoned he could win millions in a lawsuit.

[@francocruz5135]

@@josephhodges9819 u don’t hire a fire chief / someone who did that no matter how long ago lmao

[@josephhodges9819]

@@francocruz5135 Sorry but the minute they would have said we cannot hire you because of your past then they would have lost the lawsuit in a minute since he was legally pardoned and does not even have to put on his resume that he was ever arrested.

[@Wayward2023]

The only job he should have in the fire department is as an arson investigator since he's already familiar with the practice.

[@fram24]

The guy in the orange gives a lot of people hope they can become a firefighter

[@rasalghul202]

well he risks is life for yours...shame on you for that stupid comment.

[@mschelleman925]

Oh shut up. That 500lb dude cant even hold his pants up hes not saving anyones life.@@rasalghul202

[@WhiskeyTango68]

@@rasalghul202morbidly obese individuals are a liability in fire and police work. There’s a reason why good departments follow physical fitness standards, he needs to be brave and eat some salad. Shame on you for defending him.

[@Ogun1804Ogun]

@@rasalghul202he doesn’t do anything… it’s obvious these people need to focus on self

[@GregWilky1]

oh please, I don't think our orange fella has run into any burning buildings any time recently. Besides, he's a risk to his team - grease fires ain't no joke!@@rasalghul202

[@robertskelton2576]

Remember the days when fire stations had gyms in the station? They have been replaced by Dunkin Donut franchises.

[@BootyGoblinesque]

They still are, but these rural communities don't have a lot to pick from. They take what they can get... My county's fire department is a combination department (half career, half volunteer) and almost everyone here, despite being in the Southeast, land of the obese, is pretty fucking fit. They can all run laps around us in recruit class and got a good bit of muscle on them... And the rural village I was originally from before moving to the South had some pretty fit, younger guys from the looks of it (although I suspect they're kind of above average in that regard considering it's only a village of 1,000 people). I think the more career oriented departments tend to attract people that are more serious about their commitment to technical and physical excellence.

[@calamity075]

Seeing these guys i think the department would be better of without them. Some dudes wouldn't even be able to get up stairs to save you 😂

[@alexm-wy9ip]

i said the same thing ive never seen an obese fireman how would u even passs at the fire academy dont they do rigorous testing????!!!!

[@glockoma3360]

Can you even save yourself?

[@thegan9143]

I think the best protection would be to implement bi-annual fitness tests. No way the one guy handing in his gear is making it up more than a single flight of stairs with gear, using an air tank and carrying a hose or extracting an injured person.

[@SobaOfPulaski]

Its a bunch of dumb vollies who won’t go interior anyways. Disgraceful they live in the same state as Lord Clem.

[@Mister_Rat_]

want to bet he can and that he is strong af?

[@SobaOfPulaski]

@@Mister_Rat_ Let me consult Lord Clem of HIHFTY… Yeah no, no he can’t. Dude should’ve quit before he even started 😂

[@thegan9143]

@@Mister_Rat_ He might be strong for 20 seconds then will gas out. He isn't moving himself, the hose and all his equipment which is more a cardio than raw strength requirement. If there was a way to be an to settle the bet I'd happily take your money.

[@BootyGoblinesque]

Well, to be fair I'd rather have a dozen overweight firefighters than have one fire chief and one 50 year old fat-buff man who's got about a decade to go until his first heart attack.

[@josephhodges9819]

Jerame Simmons is the son of Herb Simmons, the long-time director of the St. Clair County Emergency Management Agency. Nepotism got Jerame elevated. Technically Jerame was pardoned by Pritzker.

[@calanon534]

Hm.. makes perfect sense. So, this story came out in 2021, you're posting a few hours ago.. what's the latest? They ever get their numbers back up, or what?

[@josephhodges9819]

@@calanon534 How would I know. I was giving people data they did not want to look up themselves.

[@calanon534]

@@josephhodges9819 My apologies. I thought you had a local perspective on things.

[@josephhodges9819]

@@calanon534 Not a problem. Have a nice day.

[@Emperor_Shao_Kahn]

it was 20 years ago.... he was 18 years old, why is everyone acting like they never did anything stupid when they were young.

[@johndemore6402]

He's not an arsonist He's a job security specialist

[@jtomally9681]

So many rude people leaving disgusting comments. Grow up.

[@garyholt4445]

A fire chief with a conviction for arson. That is like appointing Dracula as the manager of the blood bank. Crazy.

[@steelrain533]

So, apparently, height and weight standards were never the issue at this department.

[@kaiserschnitselsr]

only in the us fckin of A sh1thole

[@lestersmith7]

Watching this wondering the exact same thing! Really confused. Maybe the city doesn’t have any homes or buildings with multiple stories/floors.

[@dolwolfianphotography]

When a murdered as chief of police 🤔

[@288theabe]

I’m more amazed how orange shirt is a firefighter to begin with. I thought you have to be physically fit to be one?

[@Zampther]

WhY aRE ThEY sO fATT?

[@Meechie4]

St. Clair always been a joke

[@JasonT850]

How do you put someone into the chief setting who has been convicted of arson?

[@CreedBrattonTheOffice]

I've watched a lot of firefighter stuff recently and from what I notice there are a lot of firefighters in America that are overweight. Not shaming them personally and I'm sure they're good people since they are firefighters, but are there not fitness requirements in the USA for this job? It can be a physically demanding job so seems strange. I seriously doubt these big guys would pass fitness tests in my country.

[@legionkahn]

Nearly all rural fire dept in the US are made up of volunteers. Just normal people who want to help out their community. They don't get paid much more than gas money if that but still go through a lot of training and dangerous situations. Really only big towns or cities have full time fire dept and those do have high fitness standards since it is their full time job.

[@siras2]

I just LOVE the auto subtitles for this - 2:21 ".. underneath the this new cheese temperature" (for ".. underneath the new chief's tenure "). Brilliant!

[@matthewritter9244]

So, just to be clear, when he was the assistant chief…. That’s fine and dandy. When he becomes THE fire chief…. Well that’s just unsafe? Am I the only one who sees this? Am I the only one?!?

[@Matt-uy8tw]

It seems there is more to this story. Being upset he wanted to become a firefighter, in the beginning, makes more sense than causing drama now

[@grumpee8432]

@@Matt-uy8tw the acting chiefs father is the head of the safety department in that area. So, there’s feeling of nepotism being in play.

[@xusmico187]

would have left when he got on the dept.

[@NotProFishing]

There was push back from other firefighters when they gave him the assistant job

[@morningglowministries5932]

Please not this is not my account I'm responding on but an assistant chief really does not have a big say it's up to the Chief and the president now that he has power it's pretty bad

[@jameslucas5590]

He was pardon. So if you can't find forgiveness then your pride is your sin.

[@haitolawrence5986]

Gave yourself a like eh?

[@fox2102]

I don't know man. The guy was 18 when he did it and he served his time. I think if he's got his life turned around I don't see the problem here. Is there something else about the guy that is an issue? It sounds to me like they really just liked the old chief and are pissed they are replacing him.

[@michaeltrolan4143]

I don't know anyone who hasn't done something stupid at 18 years old. With time we grow up and become a different person.

[@gawainethefirst]

@@michaeltrolan4143 ok, but where is the wisdom in replacing an existing fire chief with a former arsonist? They weren’t looking to fill an already vacant spot. They fired the existing chief to give the job to this new guy.

[@loganwalker8537]

Yea Making a arsonist afirefighter is great Putting a pedophile in charge of a daycare is great Making a bank robber a security guard at the banks vault is great

[@andythomas9564]

@@michaeltrolan4143doing something stupid is different then wanting to set fire to a house and school property….that’s insane, there’s famous case of a fire chief already that wanted to set fires…like they got a demon in them or something…this guy could have done anything else but wanted to be a fireman after being caught….

[@dajuanmoten7278]

​@@andythomas9564 it wasn't just one time it was 3 more times after that then a hit and run

[@jimdavies5530]

WHEN A FIRE BREAKS OUT AND THERE IS LITTLE TO NO HELP PUTTING OUT THE FIRE HOLD THOSE ACCOUNTABLE!!!

[@sethwiley7839]

Maybe they will get someone whose not obeese now. Even volunteers should have to pass certain test. Can't have someone who will have a heart attack if they try to save you.

[@Muscleman-You-know-who-else]

i’d like to imagne that when he was younger, he was troublesome. He set a house on fire, got caught and probably regret about it years after. So one day, he decided to make a change, to be a better person…to be the fire chief 💪🏻🧑‍🚒 so he worked his way up to achieve that dream, to make a change in the society and hoping to inspire others that people can change just to have those firefighters quit 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@murrkieryel6602]

But who will get all the kittens out of the trees?

[@SwiKeyMTC]

I remember people used to say people can change, now it doesn't matter if you change or if you are better than you were. People will always attack the past even when those same people know people with a bad past.

[@ryansheffield5930]

People can change. But there’s common sense that is being ignored here. You would never put a child abuser in charge of children, you would never put a bank robber in charge of a bank vault, and you definitely shouldn’t put an arsonist in charge of a fire department. Forgiving and forgetting are two very different things.

[@lance1310]

​@@ryansheffield5930 Amen

[@BadassName17]

Would you trust a murderer with a gun? Even if he’s been considered stable and safe? I know I wouldn’t, because there’s change and then there’s the illusion of change.

[@michaelrudolph7003]

No one is saying he shouldn't be allowed to have any kind of job at all, but maybe making an arsonist a Fire Chief is a little stupid. He can find employment in some other field that doesn't involve fires.

[@RS-cd9cf]

So you would have someone who molested kids let’s say 20 years ago work at a daycare ? You must of been a criminal in the past to be so nonchalant about this subject

[@nickhoffman9256]

Nuclear take but dudes been a forefighter for early two decades AND has been pardoned. Clearly hes paid his debt to society, let it go.

[@codyh4613]

I guess they don’t make these guys exercise or do fitness test.

[@no-damn-alias]

So how did this turn out in the end?

[@danielkapp9468]

So, somebody who was a criminal 20 years ago as a stupid teenager, got caught, had a hard reality check, and then decided to turn his life around? There are way more stories of stuff like this going around that are never reported. Now they are helping people, but still being shunned by the community they're trying to protect because of his past? I think some people need a reality check. Yea, some people continue on those dangerous paths, but others do learn from their mistakes. I think this is more about people whining about loosing their cush jobs and finding ad hominem to try and drum up public opposition than anything about the individual himself.

[@danielkapp9468]

@@aaaaaaaaaa359 so if he had done this a year or two earlier when he was 16-17 and treated as a juvenile and then the record was automatically expunged after two years (due to Illinois)? Do you see where I'm going with this?

[@danielkapp9468]

@@aaaaaaaaaa359 Now that just is a comical response, you'd accept someone who commited arson 25 years ago, but 20 years is too soon. Got ya. Everyone's diffrent, people learn and develop at diffrent rates, and I've known 8 year olds that had more sense than some 50 year olds. This individual will never be able to move past what they did, as there's always going to be people like you to remind them of that. Say whatever floats your boat after this, I am done with what I had to say about it.

[@suecharnock9369]

I think the issue is that he became a fire fighter. The insinuation is that it is a bit like a pedophile being in charge of a kindergarten? Of course, the outrage by the people concerned could also be a large part of personalities. One of those interviewed said something which would infer that there were personality issues between them. Maybe he wanted them to see gym time, who knows!

[@michaelrudolph7003]

But maybe when you're convicted of arson you just don't get to work in the Fire Department ever. Seems reasonable. No one is trying to deny him EVERY career path, just this one.

[@toastyburrito]

​@@suecharnock9369a pedo and a dude who likes to burn empty buildings are two totally different things.

[@kevenclinton4970]

There will be no shortage of fires to keep you busy.

[@romanholik5898]

Why the hell all those firefighter who resigned looked like they can not even fit through doors? Is that American standard?

[@lewisvargrson]

Someone that starts fires is the acting fire chief? What is this, Fahrenheit 451?

[@pacificrules]

Oh please. Just replace the idiots with new Firefighters, its that simple.... NEXT !!

[@firestone7491]

Not really that simple you had good people quit who wants to be in a fire department that their Chief was an arsonist I would quit too

[@jasonwhite7700]

Yep, lots of people will to work shitty hours with shitty pay to go.into a burning building. Just that simple. The firefighters are right. An arsonist should not be a fire chief

[@davebrown5124]

Wow , this is incredible , only in America 👩‍🚒🚒 the new chief can't be there.🔥

[@niner_six_echo]

Gives 'backdraft' a whole new meaning.

[@JM-is5nx]

I thought firefighters had to be in shape... eh. I guess round is a shape. Dude's pants were falling down as he was attempting to quit. 😂😂😂

[@avenger007007]

He came in like a wrecking ball.

[@PentaRaus]

Its crazy that they feel no shame being that fat

[@kaiberuss]

i mean if you want a door broken down atleast you dont have to bring equipment

[@_007B]

It’s not about what you do, it’s about who you know !

[@derekkoster7635]

Just because you plead guilty doesn’t mean your guilty. The justice system does everything they can to prevent you from going to trial . They should be more concerned with exercising than who is the chief .

[@charlesmurphy1510]

Who, in their right mind, would plead guilty if they are innocent? You plead guilty because you ARE GUILTY!

[@waffleslayer1]

@@charlesmurphy1510 sounds like you have a 3rd grade understanding of the legal system lmao

[@charlesmurphy1510]

@@waffleslayer1 says all those in prison. Pleading guilty would be a lie. Didn’t you swear to tell the truth? Tell the truth even if it kills you!

[@justincooper5189]

Got any updates on what happened with this? I mean, they should have investigated how he got there, and why he was allowed anywhere near a fire station, with those charges. Why am I reminded of an episode of Futurama with bender being the arsonist and being on the fire crew? I'm wondering how they fixed this.

[@mikemeyer9831]

Damn thought you had to be fit to be a firefighter

[@JohnBrown-vn2qw]

lol thats like having a head chef that took a bite of somebody

[@joe8206]

You replace the fire chief with someone who was convicted of arson where is the common sense the logic in this decision. No wonder the firefighters quit. Bureaucratic stupidity at its finest.

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

Where is your common sense?

[@joe8206]

@@divisionagentbailey6727 my common sense .where is your common sense it sounds like you approve of having an arsonist for a fire chief.

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

@@joe8206 A guy who turned his life around from a mistake he made as a dumbass teen like how we all were dumbass teens and in the 20yrs of doing so has Demi started excellent public service and record

[@Doctaphil64]

That's pretty wild that the county thought it would be OK. Maybe they can find a convicted kidnapper for their next chief of police?

[@Baseballisbest67]

How’s those giant guys going to help anyone as a fire fighter ?

[@reloaded1795]

They must be useful to still be on the team

[@BRVFD01]

Guess they never heard of fit to fight 😂

[@michaelrudolph7003]

I mean if we can only have the right size guys doing everything, there ain't gonna be enough people to do everything. Many people in our society are overweight these days (myself included) what are you going to do about that? We have the people we have available you have to make do with the best you can get. If you are going to single-handedly solve obesity in the U.S., go for it. Somehow I doubt you have that ability.

[@idahomike]

@@michaelrudolph7003 It isn't just about having the "right size guys" performing the job. It's a physical, demanding role that requires a certain degree of physical capability to do safely and effectively. There are also practical considerations, like equipment limitations (eg ladder weight limits), climbing through attic access doors and through egress windows, and even climbing into the windows of wrecked cars. Also, if your 400 lb partner (+ 60 lbs of gear) goes into cardiac arrest in a burning building, do you think his partner will be able to pull him out? Rather than getting 45-60 min out of a bottle of air, those guys probably get 15-20. There are countless practical, safety, and logistical concerns. It isn't simply body shaming, there are a lot of factors to consider.

[@jesterboykins2899]

You can tell this is a top notch news channel, the reporter has a really trendy beanie on. Class. True class. She looks amazing in that thing. You go girl. Screw getting ready and fixing your hair for work. The revolution will be televised.

[@jasonlitz2907]

How in the heck is the guy in orange active. How can you help someone when you can't even keep your pants up.

[@michaelversace456]

THEY'RE FIREFIGHTERS?!!!! Do they eat the fire?

[@johnnyfive1412]

Who else did they consider for this position before picking an arsonist? Also, you will note that the DEMOCRAT Gov pardoned an arsonist!!!!! He should resign too.

[@bauerj3398]

If every executive that issues questionable pardons/commutations would resign, Democrat or Republican, there would be nobody left in office. Outrage over pardons is the primary reason they usually wait until their last days in office before issuing the pardons. In this instance, Simmons set a couple of fires when he was 18 (20 years ago). he pled guilty, was sentenced to probation. Though this could very well be passed off as an youthful indiscretion, I am not a fan of pardons at all, unless it becomes pretty apparent that the person did not do it, and an exoneration is not in the works. In this instance, the pardon did not serve any purpose other than making him eligible, on paper, for positions. He was still guilty of the crime. He was off probation. Whether he was pardoned or not, the city showed abhorrent decision-making by putting an arsonist in charge of the department. That would be akin to putting a convicted pedophile in charge of a day care.

[@johnnyfive1412]

@@bauerj3398 -- Where can I get a cliff notes version of this post?

[@DoBap_]

It was apparently nepotism that got him the position.

[@juicebox853]

There were no Republicans that were even close to competent. An arsonist was still a better choice.

[@G_Demolished]

@@juicebox853 Trump was kind of an arsonist if you think about it.

[@staticbuilds7613]

So he set fire to something 20 years ago and have since turned his life around. He has not set fire to anything and has helped save lives from fires. We learn from our mistakes. There must be another reason for the fire fighters not to feel safe. Either his current behaviour or attitude might be making them feel unsafe. I can't believe that they would hold this much anger over a 20 year old incident which he has since tried to make right.

[@michaelrudolph7003]

That's fine, he can try to make it right, they don't feel that an arsonist as Fire Chief makes any sense, and I completely agree with them. When you do certain things in your life, sometimes it closes future doors. This is one of those cases. Find another career path. Would you also want convicted child molesters running daycare centers as well? "They turned their life around". Hopefully, but we're not going to trust you with that responsibility, go into another line of work unrelated to your past crimes.

[@chasingthefish9042]

Would you say this if the example was a bit different? Example 18 year old sexually assaulted 2 children one was 17 and one was 14. 20 years later that person wants to be head of a school board. How would that sit with you?

[@staticbuilds7613]

@@chasingthefish9042 Depends on the situation. That situation is about sexual preference which might not change as one ages. The arson situation is on hobbies or activities which do alter as one gets older. A example of this is asking someone if they have a childhood crush and if they still fancy them. Then ask that same person about a hobby they had as a child and if they still do it. Do you think the answer will change? Also comparing arson to a Pedo is like comparing a internet troll to Hitler. It just derails your whole point

[@staticbuilds7613]

@@michaelrudolph7003 So arson and Pedo's are the same to you. People like you might light of child molesters by saying that. Arson, although tragic, usually does not come close to the evil of child molesters. Why is everyone comparing arson to child predators in the past 24 hours?

[@kiryuchan244]

@@michaelrudolph7003welp that’s an easy lawsuit, easy mil right there, also he was pardoned.

[@johnvandenberghe6621]

It's like getting a new Police Chief who once robbed a bank.......

[@RecognizingInjustice]

This is an example of how people lack critical thinking and empathy. Based upon the brief description here, it sounds as if the current chief made some poor decisions TWENTY years ago, and has since turned his life around. Additionally, recognizing how the justice industry operates, It is important to question the legitimacy of not only guilty pleas (pressured into them via threat of even harsher penalties while having lack of funds to defend oneself, etc. ) but also convictions ( as many of our laws are based upon unjust technicalities ). Despite what the fear mongering media and the justice industry would like us to believe, most people are redeemable, especially if the action in question is one of their many technicality based crimes.

[@afrothugmaster697]

Jerame Simmons Rapsheet 1998: Set fire to highschool knowing there were people inside 1998: Arrested for Impersonating a police officer and pulling someone over with his van and fake emergency lights 1999: Vacant home set fire to 2006: Arrested for At fault vehicle accident, left scene of crime 2009: Arrested for obstruction of police officer 2016: Arrested for Violation of protection order and disorderly conduct 2018: Arrested for Bar fight with security, pulled gun and impersonated a police officer during. 2021: Fire chief 2022: Police officer

[@cw6082]

👏 yes stand for what you believe no matter the cost.

[@crinklecut3790]

I don’t get to pick my bosses either, but I still gotta put food on the table so I just do my job as best I can. A lot of people depend on me.

[@lynnetrathen4587]

Oh come on this guy lit fires 😂😂 and now he’s the chief 😂😂 😡🤦🏻‍♀️

[@dingleberry2227]

They are volys they don't get paid

[@BadassName17]

Then find another job.

[@benjamintaylor3934]

Larry Nassar is said to be their favourite for track coach, and they're courting Dennis Rader to manage the local women's refuge.

[@SGorath]

Can those people even slide down the pole?

[@MoistTowelette125]

You’ve watched too many movies. Lol.

[@pland3845]

They're not strippers🤣

[@dingleberry2227]

Looks like they ALL need to find a new board, a new chief and a new fitness program.

[@AlarakTheHighLord]

Did something almost 20 years ago and got his life on track and people only see the bad he has done. This is why people with backgrounds can't move on with life. Maybe people should hold things against you for something you did years ago and reticule you for it the rest of your life

[@ryansheffield5930]

It’s common sense not to let someone with arson on there record be the fire chief. If the guy wanted to be a banker or a doctor or a soldier, all of those are fine. But a fire based criminal should not be in charge of the group that puts out fires. You wouldn’t put a child molester in a daycare right? No matter how long it’s been, actions have consequences and for this guy any career involving fire should be out.

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

@@ryansheffield5930Your logic makes no sense what so ever. Like none

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

To the original commenter I whole heartily agreed. He was a dumbass teenager like we all were. If 20yrs of service with no issue doesn’t say he has changed then idk what will.

[@ryansheffield5930]

@@divisionagentbailey6727 how does it make no sense? This is incredibly simple to understand, if a former bank robber joined the military, his fellow soldiers would probably trust him with there lives. Just not there wallets. This guy is an arsonist, you might trust him not to rob you, you might trust him not to kill you, but with his history why on earth would you trust him alone in your house with a book of matches?

[@divisionagentbailey6727]

@@ryansheffield5930 It makes no sense because by law he’s not a arsonist. It can’t be held against him so why are you when you don’t even know the guy? On top of that this man has been a Fireman for over 20yrs. Actions speak louder than words. 20yrs of preventing or managing fires yet one stupidity in his teens to outshines all of that? Make it make sense.

[@Guiltyme]

If you take pride in what you do ( as a firefighter) you will be in shape. All off you in this video are huge, how can you do the job prober?

[@seniormale]

I think that fire department needs a fitness and diet program..😂

[@agnomymous]

Hiring an arsonist to be fire chief is like hiring a cop killer to be police chief.

[@c50ge]

45 years ago I saw a volunteer fire department that would set fires to unwanted sheds (doing owners a favor) or burning brush (again being helpful) in order to “get out of the house” after returning equipment back to the station beer drinking time. I think they called it practice! But definitely not arson

[@michaelrudolph7003]

Are those scenarios the same thing? Please tell us more about how fire fighters ought to train to put out fires. Putting out fires set in a controlled situation by actual fire fighters to property they have the right to burn is the same thing as just randomly setting fire to other people's property and leaving? Get off the sauce.

[@harrisonchr]

Late to the party here, but do people not change? I know the person I was at 18 is not the same person I am today. Obviously, he has worked well at other fire departments. Does anyone know why the former chief left or was fired?

[@JamesQuinn-dy3ri]

they are just fat babies who are worried about publicity. The guy set an abandoned house on fire, I'd hardly even consider that an "arsonist".

[@no9scrum]

So an 18 year old child committed a crime, was caught, held accountable, learned from the mistake and then literally went into a career which combatted what he did... If this is the real reason these people are leaving then they probably aren't the right people to be in the role in the 1st place, how about someone pulls up what they did 20 years ago? i guarantee they haven't gone on to create a career which directly works towards fixing the mistakes they made when they were children

[@jacobbradstreet1622]

Really so what if it was a pedophile then wanted to become a teacher. In sorry you did the crime but you need to think about your actions before you do them even as a kid

[@no9scrum]

@@jacobbradstreet1622what an idiotic comparison

[@jacobbradstreet1622]

It the same thing yeah You learned from your mistakes but you still need to be held accountable I don't care what it is . I can't go to Canada because I was 18 and got a dui. Hell I don't even drink anymore and it was anything bad I just got pulled over and blew a .04 it I still can't go to Canada because of it.

[@dead2me810]

Who the hell made orange shirt a firefighter lol

[@matthewh1510]

I got mixed feelings on this one. I agree this guy should NOT be the Chief! But he could be used in big cities as a consultant into the mind set and behaviors of Arsonists during Arson investigations. Arsonists aren't like every other criminal. They are more like sexual predators in the fact that they are hardwired mentally to be what they are. They can't change what they are! No drugs, treatments, programs, time in prison changes them from being what they are! It's like I tell people all the time. "Your car breaks down, you got to take it to a repair shop. Who do you take it to? (A) A guy that has read every book on cars and engines, passed every test with flying colors? Or - (B) A guy that had a wrench in his hands, grease under his nails, working with his father at age 6 on cars? Everybody wisely picks (B). In this case this guy is "B". Just food for thought.

[@paulfharris175]

I agree hands on experience is much more important than book 📖 learning

[@kiryuchan244]

Or he wants to try and make up for his past mistakes when he was a teen, but people want to have grudges.

[@kennethpaulsen5407]

how did the town mayor think this was a good ide

[@seanaden3387]

How many overweight firefighters do u need . So unhealthy. Out of shape at best

[@relicpathfinder2800]

If given three choices, what do you choose? Your home, everything you own in it, catches on fire. 1. No one shows up to put the fire out? 2. A fine looking physically fit specimen shows up, but absolutely no idea how to use or work any of the equipment? 3. An obese greaseball who without hesitation gets right on the job without flaw or a second thought nor delay?

[@joeschmuckatelli3198]

@@relicpathfinder2800 why wouldnt the fit firefighter be able to run equipment?

[@fvrrljr]

@@relicpathfinder2800 can't argue with your comment. guilty of finding his weight to be a problem. you hit the nail right on the head. *i Like, OLE'!*

[@fvrrljr]

i admit that's funny but *Thinking Long comment* 3rd choice put it perspective

[@azsegrxdhtfgvijnkomlewrhtg9508]

@@relicpathfinder2800 The morbidly obese 300+ pound guy with 100 pounds of gear on is going to be right on the job without flaw or delay? Not when he gasses out walking up a flight of stairs and is slow as a tortoise.

[@freakklomp]

yeah i wouldnt want to be lead by someone who was convicted of arson, you know, the thing you are actively fighting against?!

[@sc2335]

I feel like an arsonist as fire chief is the Fire Department version of Mind Hunter

[@seanaden3387]

But your safe with the mask on 😷

[@boatymsboatface3929]

Mad because somebody’s wearing a mask- wtf is going on with people’s minds?

[@Dude-etiquette]

They obviously were the chiefs favourite and got away with whatever they wanted

[@alexbelle3941]

Firefighters hate fire, but even more they hate people who intentionally start fires for malicious intent.

[@markmed9091]

Looking at the lack of physical fitness in the members who resigned, that Town and Department have deep seated concerns . They all sit deep in a cushion.