Opinion: At Some Point, Waiting Becomes Neglect- By Joe Pilat, President, Annapolis Professional Firefighters Union IAFF Local 1926

The views/opinion expressed in this article are those of the writer only and does not represent the views/opinions of Report Annapolis News

"Months ago, after being called out for failing to take the necessary steps to adequately staff the Annapolis Fire Department, the City responded to multiple news outlets with a reassuring statement: they were willing to sit down with our union and talk about how to finally fix the problem.

That sounded promising at the time. But here we are, months later—and we’re still waiting.

The union has never wavered in its willingness to have these discussions. We’ve been ready, we’ve been available, and we’ve been waiting for a seat at the table. In the meantime, our members are still answering every single call for service, no matter how short-staffed we are or how heavy the burden becomes.

At this point, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the city is intentionally stalling. All signs point to the administration waiting until contract negotiations begin later this fall to address staffing. The priority need has been clear for years: a peak-time medic unit, something we have asked for in multiple budget cycles. We understand adequately staffing our department can’t be done overnight, but we need a plan—and we need to see it implemented. Adequate staffing is not a perk. It is not a “benefit” to be traded across a negotiating table. It is a baseline requirement for a safe, functional fire department and for the safety of the citizens of Annapolis.

And instead of addressing that need head-on, there have even been hints of changing our shift schedule. Let’s call that what it is: retaliation. Retaliation for firefighters publicly pointing out the city’s failures. Retaliation for demanding accountability. Retaliation for telling the truth. Shifting schedules does nothing to solve our staffing crisis—it only punishes the very firefighters who continue to carry this department on their backs and answer every single call. It is an insult to our members and a dangerous distraction from the real issue: the city’s refusal to act.

By delaying this conversation, the city is effectively asking firefighters—already stretched to the limit—to carry the additional weight of those missing from our ranks.

The people of Annapolis deserve a fire department that is fully staffed, fully resourced, and ready to respond when the alarm sounds. Firefighters deserve the assurance that they are not being treated like bargaining chips, but like the critical public servants they are.

We are still willing to talk. We’ve been willing for months. But at some point, “waiting” becomes “neglect.” And the City of Annapolis is running out of time to prove it takes this issue—and the safety of its people—seriously."

Thanks,

Joe Pilat

President 

Annapolis Professional Firefighters, IAFF Local 1926

The views/opinion expressed in this article are those of the writer only and does not represent the views/opinions of Report Annapolis  News. 

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