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Protesters unite in red and blue
Firefighters and sheriff's deputies stand together to fight for better wages and benefits.
By JAMAL THALJI
Published June 27, 2007
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From left: Derek Walker, 6, Justin Walker, 5, and Kylie Boyette, 2, don fire helmets as they join their fathers James Boyette, behind kids, and Jess Walker, handing out a water bottle.
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[Brendan Fitterer | Times]
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NEW PORT RICHEY - It's not exactly the summer of love in Pasco County.
Sheriff's deputies are at an impasse with the sheriff over contract negotiations. Firefighters are at odds with the county on several fronts.
But at least the rank and file have each other.
Pasco's deputies and firefighters joined forces for an unprecedented protest against Sheriff Bob White and Pasco County government on a sweltering Tuesday afternoon.
Standing along Little Road outside the West Pasco Judicial Center, about 200 deputies, firefighters and their supporters were united in everything save the color of their T-shirts: blue for the Pasco County Sheriff's Office Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 29; red for the Pasco County Professional Firefighters of International Association of Firefighters Local 4420.
Drivers honked and waved. So did the occasional fire engine and sheriff's cruiser. A UPS driver really got into it, pumping his fist and chanting "Union! Union!"
The deputies staged their first-ever protest against the sheriff earlier this month. The firefighters haven't protested since the 1990s.
"We take care of each other and that's a strong bond in Pasco County, " said Detective John Connolly, 44, president of the Pasco deputies' labor unit of FOP Lodge 29. "Now people are going to see that and realize that."
The Sheriff's Office, however, is tired of seeing protest signs like "CRIMINALS HAVE RIGHTS WHY DON'T DEPUTIES?"
Said sheriff's spokesman Doug Tobin: "I don't think they help the process."
But Connolly stood by that message. "I don't think that's inappropriate, " he said.
Those particular signs refer to the newly formed union's demand for a revamped discipline appeals process. The union also wants gap medical coverage for retirees and agency mailboxes opened up to union business. Their impasse goes to a July 30 hearing in front of a special master.
As for the firefighters, there's a federal lawsuit accusing the county of shorting them overtime pay, two unfair labor practice complaints pending and a hearing Friday on their contract impasse. Health insurance and wages are key among those issues.
"When you combine the lowest wages with the highest health insurance premiums, " said Pasco Fire Rescue Captain Ralph Grant, 42, president of IAFF Local 4420, "it makes for a tough sell to keep people here."
Jamal Thalji can be reached at thalji@sptimes.com or (727) 869-6236.
[Last modified June 26, 2007, 22:37:06]
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Comments on this article
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by Joe
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06/28/07 10:25 PM
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Bob White objects to his Deputies Unionizing, but as a State Employee he was a union member, and now belongs to the strongest union in the state-The Florida Sheriff's Association. They see their longstanding power slipping away and want to stop it
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by Larry
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06/28/07 07:58 AM
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The deputies have not made an unreasonable request, what is the real reason for no contract yet? The Community, Business Owners and Pasco Commissoners support the deputies, why doesn't the sheriff? It is time for Mr. White to support his deputies.
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by lori
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06/27/07 05:17 PM
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If you understand about Gap insurance. Why did the county offer GAP Insurance to non-union employees (civilians) And not county (Union employees)?
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by John
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06/27/07 02:01 PM
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If it wasn't for the men and woman of the Sheriff's Office and the Fire Department protecting our lives things would be alot worse. Keep up the good job! Long time Trinity resident, you have our support.
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by Steve
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06/27/07 01:56 PM
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I am part of the working class and I support these firefighters and deputies 110% because they do put their lives on the line for me and people like Barbara and Jay. Maybe they should go into a burning house to save a life or stop a robbery...
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by Rose
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06/27/07 01:03 PM
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Have you seen outrageous pay of paper pushers? Teachers, fire folk, & cops risk lives at poor comparable pay & benefits for their families. Who protects our lives and democracy? Value the real heroes and life improves.
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by Fred
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06/27/07 12:30 PM
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These heroes deserve much better than the Sheriff and County Commission have been giving them. Each day these men and women risk their LIVES for the citizens of this county. They need better pay and benefits.
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by Barbara
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06/27/07 10:42 AM
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I understand the delema the police and fire employees have. But they need to understand that the working class in this county are in the same boat. No Med.Ins. rates too high. Must pay Ins.&Taxes to keep roof over us. We can not afford more tax.
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by LIsa
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06/27/07 10:19 AM
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You know its pretty bad when the people who risk their lives everyday get paid less while people who sit in a corporate office get paid 3-4 figures or even sports players who get millions. You can get shot or killed for 35,000 a year with benefits.
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by chris
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06/27/07 10:14 AM
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These men and women,along with their families, face uncertainty every day they report to work. My son and wife had to apply to WIC when their first child was born, and both were working full time jobs. Maybe Jay should 'walk a mile in their shoes'.
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by Lisa
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06/27/07 10:09 AM
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Yes Jay the starting pay is good but then you look at the county's property taxes and the general cost of living. Also think about the cost of insurance and if you have a family plan they take out $385 a month for a family of 3 tell me how good it is
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by beth
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06/27/07 09:49 AM
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How many of you folks in pasco county would run into a burrning building? Risk your life to save a stranger? Yes they get paid but not enough to provide for their families. They pay almost a weeks wages for health insurance. Help your firefighters !!
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by Gregg
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06/27/07 09:45 AM
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Jay, pay isn't the issue. Deputies want a fair disciplinary process. The deputies leaving the Sheriff's Office are quiting over working conditions, not money.
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by Kelly
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06/27/07 09:33 AM
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WHAT a great turn ourt for pickiting. White got his new Chevy for back problems. Not following policies for signatures. Oh yes because he has back problems. How does your Harley Davidson help your back. I guess it gives alot of back support.
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by Christina
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06/27/07 09:33 AM
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I'm not really a huge fan of any type of government facility, however, I read the information given to me by one of the deputies and I have to agree that they should get the benefits and pay they deserve. Lets support our deputies.
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by Cindy
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06/27/07 09:31 AM
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This is not about Deputies pay. It is about Pasco deputies having some of the benefits White has had available in his carreer. GAP insurance & A fair discipline appeals process. TRUST ME things are not FAIR to employees under White Administration.
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by Anthony
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06/27/07 08:29 AM
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It's not always about pay. Sometimes it's about inadequate health insurance, or maybe retirement benefits, or uniform allowance. People don't realize it's not always about salary.
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by Jay
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06/27/07 04:47 AM
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Have you seen their starting pay? The deputies don't have anything to complain about, unless it's the poor training they receive. It's a very good paying job, especially after a few years.
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