PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — The Pawtucket firefighters union said something is “very wrong” after the department’s least experienced member was named third-in-command. Firefighters said they were upset after a probationary firefighter was ordered to report as a deputy chief on Nov. 5. “We were absolutely shocked that the mayor would allow his fire chief to proceed with such a reckless order,” Local 1261 President Eric Cordeiro said. The union said the 22-year-old had just three months of experience before Fire Chief John Trenteseaux named him. “I think ultimately, someone with three months experience, to be in charge of such a large organization is nothing but detrimental to the public safety,” Cordeiro said. The union said it worked to negotiate a five-year contract with the city in 2023 before an issue dealing with command staff came about. “We negotiated in good faith with the city, we mutually agreed there was a need for more command staff,” Cordeiro said. “The city violated the contract by not placing anyone in as acting deputy chief.” The union took the city to arbitration and emerging victorious, which resulted in Chief Trenteseaux naming the probationary firefighter to the acting deputy chief position. “The city seemingly was unhappy with that award from the arbitrator and now is undermining that award by placing a probationary firefighter as third-in-command,” Cordeiro said. The city said that the position is purely administrative and the chief released the following statement: The City of Pawtucket and the Pawtucket Fire Department are abiding by the contract that was agreed upon by all parties; the city, the fire department, and the Local IAFF 1261. This appears to be yet another deliberate tactic by the union and its president to exaggerate facts and present a reality that simply does not exist. The terms of the contract are clear, and the union previously agreed to these administrative roles as beneficial additions to our operations. The deputy chief role was agreed upon in the most recent contract. The hiring for this role was posted, and no union members bid on this position, despite having the opportunity. As a result, we selected a member in compliance with the collective bargaining agreement. The department continues to follow the contract’s language rigorously, as agreed upon and will continue to do so. I will never jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of the community. It’s important to note that this position is purely administrative, and the department is functioning as it always has. We have also been meeting with union representatives in good faith to resolve any issues, and see this as a distraction from that constructive dialogue. There is no threat to public safety, and we are committed to ensuring that all parties adhere to the agreed-upon contract. Cordeiro said that union members disagree with the chief’s words. “I think anyone would agree that having someone with three months experience as the third-in-command of such a large department, 150 members, 18,000 plus runs a year, to have this poor kid in charge of the department as the third-in-command is irresponsible and reckless,” he said. Categories: News, Pawtucket, Rhode Island