Shame on you Mr. Cleary, you are too critical of our firemen

Its amazing how "one bad apple" is convincing people that all the volunteers are bad apples and that they all stole from the pot.  So in return people are deciding not to support the volunteer firefighters by not donating to any thing because someone has blackened their eye. 

I am sure the volunteers are trying to do the best and do the right thing that they can for this situation.  If by charging the fellow with theft and the judge decides to give him probation with restitution, which may amount to 20 bucks a month, where does that leave the association - still indebted to the burn foundation because I'm sure they will find away to pay it back no matter what.  Maybe considering taking the money, give it to the burn foundation which where it belongs, and boot the bad apple out of the fire department may be a better plan, at least the money for the burn foundation will be given to them where they much need it.

But to consider all the volunteers thieves is outragous!   If a member of your family stole money, are you a thief too by association?  Don't forget that most of the volunteers are funded through donations and fund raisers, ie... bingo's, hoagie sales, mailings, not by the City.  If people decide to not donate to any function or mailings to the volunteers than you will be jeopardizing having a volunteer fire service in this town. 

I am sure the association would want to discuss this with the public to clear up any misleadings and assumptions Mr. Cleary keeps accusing the volunteers of doing, however, I believe they can not because its still under investigation and determination on how to handle the situation. 

People should give the benefit of doubt than accuse them of cover up so early in the game.  Its sad and shameful that this had to happen to the volunteers and fire department, but remember when theres a fire who comes out all hours of the day and night, leaving their families and giving their time to save your property and love one...fire fighters, career and volunteer - so support them even in times of trouble. 

Volunteers has giving their time and support thru the years to you, is this town going to drop them when they need them?  Support the volunteers Im sure they will do what they feel is right for the situation.    And when you have to call 911 because your house is on fire,remember who are still responding to HELP YOU. -

Print this in the GCN Mr. Cleary instead of bashing them!

signed A supporter of Firefighters

Editor's Note: I would ask the writer to be more specific. When and Where did I bash the entire volunteer fire association?  I have been consistent in asking the officers of the Association to either confirm or deny that money is missing from the Marathon's banking account. 

And if this is correct, then apologize to the public and we can move on. The money taken belonged to the people who donated to this worthy cause, it didn't belong to the Firemen Association.

This happened before. A system should have been put in place in the 80's so it couldn't happen again.

I believe the Gloucester City Volunteer Firemen are the best at what they do. And I am very thankful for all the sacrifices they make in order to keep our city safe.

Bill Cleary

PS: I will gladly print your letter in the Gloucester City News. However, you will need to sign your name to it. Send your name along with a phone number to BillGCN@verizon.net

Comments

[BOOM BOOM]

As I understand from certain people this individual is having a hard time. He has been found sleeping at the firehouse and reportedly was found with his family sleeping in a boarded up house on 4th st. Know one wants to kick people when they are down, but the law is the law. After he returns the money and faces his punishment, as was always done in the past in Gloucester City, a fund raiser could be scheduled to help the family. Also if there is a fireman that cares about one of there own brothers he could direct this person to a agency for help.

[Terry C]

Mr. Cleary was bashing the thief, not the firemen.

[Rick]

Bill
I have followed with interest your writings on this issue and the responses/feelings of your readers. It appears the writer of Shame on You lost track of exactly what you wrote versus the reader response. Possibly, the writer never considered the notion that the fire association is acting as an agent for the public when collecting and forwarding the marathon money. Having sat on a Grand Jury for 17 weeks a year ago I'm confident the prosecutors office would rule the disappearance of the money a crime and a violation of the public trust. I'm absolutely positive that upon submission, a Grand Jury would indict. Therein lies the dilemma. Should the association reveal the incident or not? The anonymous tipster did the right thing. Now the association has to decide how it wants the public to view the organization. In my opinion the association does not get a black eye if it lets the thief be responsible for his/her actions. To do anything less would be considered aiding and abetting. The association must decide if it wants to be part of the problem or part of the solution. That will determine the fate/perception of the association not Bill Cleary.
Rick

[Someone who hates thieves]

Bill, I read your articles all the time and I have never heard you say anything other then bring this thief forward and let him face his punishment. I just happen to be someone that was taken by a thief and if that person has to write a check for twenty dollars a month like my thief did that is fine. That means they will have to remind themselves every month that they are a thief.

Signed someone who hates thieves.