Firefighters Fight … Each Other

by Paul Bass | September 11, 2007 1:48 PM | | Comments (12)

Grant2.jpgFire Chief Michael Grant (pictured) said Tuesday he has decided not to discipline two firefighters involved in a fight on the job involving “strangling” and unproved accusations of drunk driving.

The incident may test the city’s “zero tolerance” policy on workplace violence. City Chief Administrative Officer Rob Smuts said he plans to review the incident in that light.

A False Alarm In The Heights

The incident took place at the Lombard Street fire station on Aug. 9. Here’s what happened, according to four written versions released to the Independent Tuesday as well as a conversation with Chief Grant and Assistant Chief Ron Dumas. The reports were written by the two firefighters involved as well as Capt. Miguel Rosario and Battalion Chief Ronald Scarano:

Veteran firefighters Paul Mikolinski and Matt Kennedy were working the 14-hour overnight shift, their third of the week. At 5:45 p.m. a call came in from Lexington Avenue in Fair Haven Heights. Mikolinski and Kennedy were among those responding on Truck 3. Mikolinski was driving.

Mikolinski turned left out of the station onto Lombard Street, rather than right toward Lexington Avenue. (Mikolinski’s explanation: “I thought the operator said Livingston Street.”)

The call turned out to be a malfunctioning alarm. Mikolinski returned Truck 3 back to the Lombard station.

Which is where the trouble began.

Jokes, & Concerns

According to Kennedy’s written version, “Upon returning to the firehouse, we were asked if everything was okay. Some mild jokes were thrown around. I made a comment in front of everyone in the watch booth that I was fine. Chief Scarano asked me what’s up with miko [Mikolinski]. I told him several times that I didn’t know. [E]veryone in the room was saying (jokingly) ‘you better check miko out’. This went on for several minutes. One FF [firefighter] then said to Chief ‘has he been drinking again’. ‘Is he drunk again’. This FF then said that he did not feel comfrotable with Miko driving the piece, and that he would not get on it. Chief Scarano then went up stairs to confront miko. I stopped him and said just take a look at him and see what you think. At no time did I say that he had been drinking.”

Capt. Rosado wrote in his version of events that “though it was not stated to me explicitly, it was inferred that Firefighter Mikolinski was unfit to drive the truck. Upon Battliaon Chief Scarano also returning to quarters I approached him and notified him of the situation. He then informed me that the truck personnel thought Firefighter Mikolinski may be under the influence of alcohol.”

According to Mikolinski’s version:

“6:00 PM I was told to go to Battlaion Chief Scarano’s office. He asked me if I was drinking. I said no. I then told him to take me to St. Raphael Hospital to be tested if he did not believe me. I also told him that I had had a glass of wine at 3:30 PM to make sure the wine my wife had ordered was okay because it was very expensive.”

Scarano wrote his own version of the conversation: “I asked him if everything was okay with him, and if he was okay to drive the fire apparatus. He asked me why I felt he couldn’t drive, I stated to him that a couple of the men riding on Truck 3 hinted there might be a problem. I again stated all I wanted to know if he was capable of driving the apparatus. He then stated that he had been running around all day, that he had a tough day, that he had been moving out of his home and that he had stopped at the Grand Vin on Grave Ave. earlier in the day and had one glass of wine. And that if I thought he wasn’t telling the truth that I could send him downtown to get checked.”

Kitchen Confrontation

Instead Scarano asked again if Mikolinski was OK. Then Mikolinski left the office and ran into Kennedy.

Picking up Mikolinski’s version:

“6:30 PM I confront Matt Kennedy, asking him if he went to Chief Scarano accusing me of drinking and why he did not come to me first.

“6:45 PM Capt. Rosado orders me to stay away from Kennedy.

“7:15 PM I am in the kitchen eating dinner with B. Bostic and J. Guarino. Kennedy enters the room and we continue to argue verbally. I told Kennedy to stop bringing his problems from home to the firehouse. (Note: Matt has told his whole story of how stressed he is and of his problems at home to everyone in the station.) At this point, Matt lunges across the table strangling me and bruising and puncturing the skin on my neck. B. Bostic, J. Guarino and L. Rogers had to pull him off me. I made absolutely no retaliatory move against Matt. In fact, I put my hands in the air to show that I did not touch him.”

Kennedy’s written report tells a slightly different version.

He wrote that “the door to the kitchen opened and FF mikolinski yelled my name and told me to come upstairs. Upon entering the kitchen, he then yelled at me, called me a rat, pointed his finger in my face, then yelled to go on detail. All this had profanity laced in it. I then told Miko to calm down and to watch how he spoke to me. He was asked several times.”

After a “shouting match,” Kennedy left the kitchen, only to be followed into the hall by Mikolinski, Kennedy wrote. “He brought my family into the discussion and the altercation happened shortly after that. This incident was the end result of many disrespectful things that had been going on for quite some time. Days later, after talking to Miko, I explained them to him and he agreed that many liberties were taken. I have no doubt in my mind that I can work side by side with any individual on this department. Hopefully this incident will not portray me as someone who can’t.”

Capt. Rosado was there and reported that “Firefighter Kennedy suddenly grabbed Firefighter Mikolinski in a choking motion while sitting at the kitchen table. Myself and Firefighter Larry Rogers struggled to separate Firefighter Kennedy from Firefighter Mikolinski…”

Battalion Chief Scarano, meanwhile, phoned a superior, Deputy Chief Ryan, who said he’d been right there. Scarano then ordered Mikolinski to work the rest of the night at the Morris Cove fire station.

“Before he left FF Mikolinski state dthat he didn’t want this to go any further, and in so many words apologized for what had taken place,” Scarano wrote. “Chief Ryan spoke to both FF Kennedy and FF Mikolinski and also the men in the station. He told them it would be better to let this matter stay in the station.”

Zero Tolerance?

Which it largely did.

The incident occurred on a Thursday night. Chief Michael Grant said he learned of the incident over the weekend, then questioned his battalion chiefs and deputy chief about it at a regular Monday morning meeting.

Grant said he asked them if the incident was racially motivated (Mikolinski is white, Kennedy, black) or if alcohol had been involved. He said Ryan and Scarano assured him neither was the case. If either had been the case, Grant said, he would have taken disciplinary action.

He said he believes that language in the reports like “strangling” and “assault” overstated the incident. “It was more pushing and shoving.” No one was hurt, he said. The two firefighters involved are actually friends, Grant said; they and their families had been together the prior week in Baltimore for a firefighters’ convention.

“These guys are together all the time,” Grant said. “Sometimes a lapse of judgment comes into play. Not often. Tempers flare… There are personal issues that can weigh on people’s minds.” He compared the incident to “two brothers getting into a fight. They next day they’re the best of friends.”

According to Chief Grant, public safety was not compromised during this period. No calls came in; two other firefighters were on duty in the station.

In his written report, Capt. Rosado appeared to urge his bosses to take some action.

“I would like to remind administrative and managerial staff that the City of New Haven’s policy on workplace violence states ‘zero tolerance for acts of physical violence in the workplace shall be upheld.’ I cannot sugar coat what has happened and characterize the events as an assault of a department employee by another with insubordination on both their parts. I ask that prudent judgement prevail in dealing with the safety of department personnel and preventing any possible recurrence or escalation of a similar nature.”

Asked about Rosado’s urging, Chief Grant noted that Rosado had also written that “the behavior of both men … was out of character. Firefighter Kennedy had recently returned to full duty from a knee injury. Both men appeared to be under possible duress relating from personal domestic problems…”

“If he wanted something more done he should say so, not imply,” Grant said of Rosario. “He wasn’t saying something should be done.”

Grant’s boss, city Chief Administrative Officer Rob Smuts, said he will review the written reports and confer with Grant.

The city’s “zero tolerance” policy states that workplace violence “may” result in disciplinary, he said. It doesn’t mandate it.

“I have to look into this more,” Smuts said. “We do try to meet regularly and discuss whether city policies are being carried out. It makes sense to look at this in that context.”







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Comments

Posted by: FairHavenRes | September 11, 2007 4:20 PM

Much ado about nothing. Though I think it would be cool to see Smuts in a ring with either Mikolinski or Kennedy. Grant needs 6 months with a personal trainer, then he might be ready to go a round with Smuts. That would be cool to see.

Posted by: True New Havener | September 11, 2007 5:30 PM

Seems like some reasonable discipline should be meted out for two reasons: (1) people should not be allowed to touch each other violently in a workplace. It is important to send a strong signal to employees. What if other strong people had not been there to break it up? (2) This is a perfect example of why people who do crazy things get away with them in city government. The next guy will beat someone to a pulp and say, hey officer so-and-so didn't get suspended when he got in a fight. Then a judge or arbitration panel will look at past practice and agree and some belligerent hooligan will stay employed.

Though I did find Fairhavenres's posting hilarious.

Posted by: Common Sense | September 11, 2007 5:35 PM

Why is this incident being covered by the Independent? It is a personal matter to be resolved by the parties involved. A little agitation in all fire houses happens all the time. There is always tension in this high stress occupation. It is not the first time that a fire engine went the wrong way. It happens to Police response, ambulance response. A given location for responding emergency vehicles is sometimes misunderstood because of the noise, the excitement, and sometimes because of the accent of a dispatcher that makes the location sound like another street. The driver of the emergency vehicles spend many hours learning their response district. The Officer who sits up front with the driver is there to insure the correct route is taken and to lead and direct his crew at the fire or emergency. Firefighters in general are good jokesters. Once in a while a verbal snowball is thrown and the guy or gal with rabbit ears will get involved and take it too far. I'm sure the two veteran firefighters have put it past them. Publishing the three reports in the Independent only fuels the incident for those reading about it to comment (like me) and blow it out of proportion. This was not an incident of violence in the workplace. The Chief would not stand for it and would take appropriate action like he has done in the past.

Posted by: fairhavener [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 11, 2007 8:54 PM

That would definitely be cool to watch. How about Mikolinski & Kennedy vs Destefano & Smuts? They could battle at the Colosseum ruins.

Posted by: Steve | September 12, 2007 3:39 PM

This is absolutely the exact opposite action that any responsible company, business or employer would take in a case like this.

The fact that they are "friends" is no reason to abandon a policy that is put in place to protect the well-being and welfare of all the employees. By taking no action you allow anyone else to do the same and escape discipline because the employer has in fact allowed "Workplace Violence" as in this case.

Again, Mr. Smuck shows the political basis for all decisions in the administration "just because we have rules doesn't mean we should or have to uphold them". Business/Government lose their ability to manage Union Contracts becasue they make exceptions that the union uses to charge them with bias or unfair application of the work rules.

The Courts have fined all of the Residents of New Haven, severely by awarding large civil judgements in numerous cases of the city managers, not acting with consistency in Human Resource issues.

When you give the Keys to inexperienced managers, Mr "I Know it Al" Rob Smuck or Chief Grant, who appears to be always in an 'altered state" you get these results.

You don't have to wonder who really is the "Decider" in New Haven. These decisions smell of the one and only " Mayor Johnnie"

Posted by: Been Called Worse | September 12, 2007 7:52 PM

From Mikolinski's report: Matt lunges across the table strangling me and bruising and puncturing the skin on my neck.

Common Sense's comment: This was not an incident of violence in the workplace.

How can you justify this as not an act of violence. Where do you work where this kind of conduct is acceptable? How would you react if this was done to you?

It is a personal matter to be resolved by the parties involved.

It is a personal matter when it occurs on personal time, not by 2 firefighters at work at a firehouse.

To postulate one step further, if this kind of behavior is acceptable (or even tolerated) between firefighters or police officers, what protection can citizens expect in the even that it happens to them?

And Steve's comments about inconsistent practices versus HR policies is on the money. If no discipline is exacted (even if it is just a letter of reprimand in a personel file) then if an event like this happens again the union will quite correctly point to bias or unfair application of work rules.

Posted by: Mean Green [TypeKey Profile Page] | September 13, 2007 1:04 PM

With obvious regard to the part of the problem being "Workplace Violence", I cannot believe people are missing the most important issue here:
why is someone who is responsible for the lives and safety of the community drinking while on shift??
I realize this is an accusation, but all accusations are founded on some reality. I know many local firemen personally and I've never seen any of them near a drink on days they are shifted. This is an outragous offense, especially if this "miko" was a driver and has a history of alcoholism and stress.
The violence is secondary to putting innocent lives at risk.
To deal with the violence issue, there is zero tolerance for a reason. At what point does the law step in and eliminate a "problem"?
When someone is in the hospital with a concussion?
I dont understand how anyone can read the facts of this story and defend the accused. The law is simple to interpret. If you place your hands on someone in an undesired, aggressive manor, your fired. I understand the stress of working with the same people for 36 hour shifts. That doesnt matter. Define ZERO tolerance.

I whole-heartedly agree with "true new havener", when stated this sets a precendent for all other city workers. Next will be a much more serious offense, but zero tolerance will be outweighed by previous rulings. If this is how we are going to handle workplace violence, and not send a clear message to all, then we might as well be working to repeal the tolerance law.

Posted by: Ryan White | September 14, 2007 4:34 PM

Seems like City Hall has allowed the Fire Department to run amok led by Chief's who seriously lack administrative experience and are not willing enough to tackle serious situations. The Kennedy vs Mikoloinski incident is just another firehouse confrontation that the Chiefs have failed to deal with. How many times do taxpayers need to hear the silent sounds of inaction that causes one to cringe - actions that taken in the private sector result in termination. FD insiders tell about the many situations that go by the wayside, are swept under the carpet and are said to "never had taken place." I'm told that if a member tries to challenge the Chief they are marked forever - that's unless your one of his favorites - then your assigned to the squad unit where white officer give the Chiefs directions. Oh by the way, insiders question why non-white don't receive the same treatment when it comes to receiving medals as his friends. Did the africian-american firefighter that rescued the white Captain ever get recognized- does he wear a medal on his uniform? If not ask why! Why haven't taxpayers questioned apparatus damage that have cost thousands of dollars - oh that another thing swept under the rug. Why are the Chief's schedules so secret - did you ever try to call them at 8:00 in the morning or see them in their office at 4:00? How many vacation days do the Chief's get - they are never there and don't try to contact their voice mail - the mailbox is always full or they never return calls. Who pays their salary - we do the taxpayers of New Haven. So where is the accountability with Johnny D? Rob Smuts is just a youngster, what experience does he have in the public safety sector? I'm sure he listens to whatever the Chief's tell him, he doesn't know anything different. It's been some time since anyone questioned the extra pay firefighters were getting even though they weren't working. How come this issue was kept so quiet? Do you think some of the Chief's favorites were among those who wrote personal checks to the City for their acts of fraud? Insiders say the Chief again treated this as a non issue. Must be some more of family living issues. Steve says the Chief's mind is always in a state of alter - how can we have public trust in one whose mind is altered and how can he lead firefighters? Insiders say he's the best firefighter on the job, New Have doesn't need a good firefighter as Chief, it needs a good leader to direct a work force. Taxpayers should demand Mayor Johnny D. seek a new person for the Chief's job - one who can serve as an administrator and move the FD in the right direction. Its really off course with one who denies that a violent act never took place and if anyone says different they'll be suspended. As for the Chief's assistants, do they even exist, what makes them qualified to be second in command-being absent or just going with the flow? Can they even make a decision on their own? Insiders say that decisions go for days or weeks without resolution - their answer is always I'll have to check with the Chief. What are we paying them for if they can't act. Its time for concerned taxpayers to demand a complete overhaul in the fire department. Clean house including those that have female guests sleeping overnight - sound like Washington, DC once again. Insiders sya its just a matter of time before something bad happens - Mayor Johnny D take notice and sweep the firehouse floors clean and put down new carpeting before someone slips and falls costing the City more money that taxpayers don't have!
Posted by Ryan White at September 13, 2007 10:56 PM

Posted by: Ned | September 14, 2007 4:40 PM

And then she said "girlfriend" and he said: "no you d'nt" and then she said my Lee Press on Nails were the only thing real about me. "Yeah, well they can still scratch your eyes out. B***H, you're not putting out any fires with that tiny hose"...

Posted by: Westvillite | September 17, 2007 8:48 PM

From the looks of these comments the FD has some problems. I agree with Mean Green about violence in the workplace, deal with it and if you need the law call them. Maybe they will arrest the perp in record time.

Posted by: Bosie'sBoy | September 19, 2007 12:55 PM

As long as Chief Grant is beholden to the likes of Fire Commissioner Bosie Felon and The Man Who Would Be Governor DeStefano, he will never be able to act decisively on anything NHFD related without looking over his shoulder. With the best interest's of The Elm City in mind, Kimber And IDCard Johnnie have put a freeze on the hiring list for the Fire Dept., and have sent all promotional exams into the court system, simply because none of their lackeys are able to pass the exams. To compound matters, in December, the Dept. will be facing a shortage of paramedics, but since the city will not show hiring preference to anyone with EMT or paramedic credentials, wasted overtime money will be poured into keeping the required number of paramedics on duty at all times. And if I were FF Matt "The Lombard Strangler" Kennedy, I would be more worried about FF Mikolinski suing me for injuries later on down the road, especially with this incident already heavily documented.

Posted by: uknown | September 23, 2007 4:55 AM

If these guys can't behave right fire them and hire someone who took the test and got screwed by the scoring!!!!

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