Emtmom
08-15-2006, 02:39 PM
Don't Fundraise On City's Dime, Firefighters Told
New Britain Officials Restrict Fundraising
POSTED: 5:21 pm EDT August 14, 2006
UPDATED: 7:19 pm EDT August 14, 2006
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- New Britain firefighters raised almost $5,000 for charity last year. This year, they're worried about matching that goal.
City officials told firefighters this year that they cannot participate in the "Fill the Boot" fundraising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association while on duty.
New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart told Eyewitness News that if the firefighters want to raise money on their own time, it's fine with him, but not while they're on duty.
"The guys were very upset," firefighter Ed Preece said. "It was a big blow to us, especially after last year being the No. 1 collector in the state for fire departments."
The city has also forbidden the firefighters from fundraising in their uniforms and using department equipment.
"Normally, the fire truck is there with the lights on, the firefighters collecting wear safety vests. Now, you're technically putting guys out there just standing in the street with no safety precautions to warn people that we're going to be there," Preece said.
In the past, firefighters collected at Rock Cats games and key intersections in the city. This year, Preece said they no longer have the permission to do so from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
"We're going to pull together and make sure it doesn't sink our efforts, but I think it does put us a little bit behind the eight ball," Preece said.
New Britain Officials Restrict Fundraising
POSTED: 5:21 pm EDT August 14, 2006
UPDATED: 7:19 pm EDT August 14, 2006
NEW BRITAIN, Conn. -- New Britain firefighters raised almost $5,000 for charity last year. This year, they're worried about matching that goal.
City officials told firefighters this year that they cannot participate in the "Fill the Boot" fundraising efforts for the Muscular Dystrophy Association while on duty.
New Britain Mayor Timothy Stewart told Eyewitness News that if the firefighters want to raise money on their own time, it's fine with him, but not while they're on duty.
"The guys were very upset," firefighter Ed Preece said. "It was a big blow to us, especially after last year being the No. 1 collector in the state for fire departments."
The city has also forbidden the firefighters from fundraising in their uniforms and using department equipment.
"Normally, the fire truck is there with the lights on, the firefighters collecting wear safety vests. Now, you're technically putting guys out there just standing in the street with no safety precautions to warn people that we're going to be there," Preece said.
In the past, firefighters collected at Rock Cats games and key intersections in the city. This year, Preece said they no longer have the permission to do so from the Parks and Recreation Commission.
"We're going to pull together and make sure it doesn't sink our efforts, but I think it does put us a little bit behind the eight ball," Preece said.