YOUR COMMENTS

If you follow the trail of negative issues with the FC; why now ? Someone have an axe to grind ? Is the state trying to drag a union FD and chief into the picture ? The more I think about it, with NH going liberal socialist, there is a better than 50% chance the hacks are going to unionize NH police and need to set up an example starting with volunteer FD's. Who's next ?
- J LaMacchia, Mashpee

Are any of you who are making comments of support Firefighters or former Firefighters that know what your talking about? He a great guy, that is wonderful but he is obviously incompetent! When your trapped in your burning house you really want a nice, wonderful guy who does not know what he is doing in charge of saving you, Really? He was investigated and he is not trusted by his fellow Chiefs, what more do you need to convince you? A Death? How much Firefighter training have you people had? Other trained Firefighters dont trust the guy, enough said? So Reams has a vendetta against the Candia Fire Chief? Come on. When a part is broken or is nor working right you replace it and fast! Candia, you look like fools, replace your broken part.
- John Rapport, Candia NH

Folks you need to listen to what was said by the County Attorny and NOT the Manchester Union Leader, they just reported the findings. The lead Law Enforcement Agency in the County said the CFD Is in TROUBLE!! As a member and officer of a local fire department I can tell you with the utmost honesty that Rudy Cartier has NO IDEA what he is doing. Do I dislike Rudy, absolutely NOT! I consider him a long time friend, but even I advised him NOT to take the Chiefs job!! I have watched him at many emergencies and the lack of leadership and knowledge is terrible and troubling. Again, that does not make him a bad person, just incompetent when it comes to running an agency that puts peoples lives in danger. Two out of the three towns that were interviewed by the Attorny have incompetent Fire Chiefs and incompetence KILLS Firefighters! Its time to clean house and get the Candia Fire Department back in line with the rest of the country before we are all attending a funeral
- Dave Smith, Manchester

I've read almost everyone's comments and really, people need to grow up. I've seen how CFD has responded, ive seen so much generiosity that has come from that department, so why is this news paper reporting three or four insignificant things and causing drama in the town of Candia? First of all the ff s who were immature while off duty should be held accountable, but really it's rediculas that those two incidences make theto whole department to be blamed. Why are these cops complaining and not holding the individual accountable, this is childish. The cop should be doing their job not trying to get their name in the paper.The general public doesn't have any idea what these FF experience not just Candia,but all ff deal with suicides(ex: hangings), people stranded in car crashs, even burning cars they go beyond to try and save people. I know a ff personally who pulled burning bodies out of a car on fire. Maybe these firefighters haven't expereience that heroism, but before people bash them from phony news reporting think what you say, before volenteers start disaapearing cause people r trying to ruin their names I. E the Candia firecheif. Have you ff bashing people ever seen these things and dealt with them? Unless ur on an emergency team or fire department, or police! To me this seems like this is a high school article with no fact or proof that any wrong doing has been done. AND someone who is a danger to the public is either a crazy state hospital patient or mass murder ect, Not a firecheif who from what i read hasn't done anything wrong that should have never been stated! I i'm dissappointed by the surrounding towns and their comments, that doesn't make me feel safe when grown men cant work out their difference to save lives which is what they signed up for voulenter or not! Fire fighting has so many aspectes to it, it needs a team effort, so next time is any surround towns of candia not going to respond when duty calls in effort to save lives cause it statesa in the article a if the cheifs aren't there they won't let their ffs partner with candia ff. Thats sad and wouldn't make me feel safe!
- dixie, manchester

I think if you listen close you’ll most likely find that the fire chiefs that surround our Town are echoing the comments of their membership about the actions by the Candia Fire Department. Contrary to everyone’s beliefs, Candia is not a well respected fire department and it starts from the top. It’s time for a change in our Town fire department and a deep look into the over-all operations of the Department is drastically needed. Let’s start fresh.
- Dave R, Candia

Before people really start bashing people for running from the cops they should get there facts straight or keep there fingers off the keys. Do you know for sure he ran from the cops or are you just going off what the press has to say. We all now they only write what makes things look the worst. I know the Captian and I know the siituation. Yes he knows he was wrong for riding on the road. He did not run from the cops he pulled into his driveway right after passing the cop. The cop never turned his lights on to pursue him. So if no lights were activated did he disobey NO. So TK from Candia before you jump to conclusion get all the facts first.
- Pete, Manchester

This isn't about whether or not the CVFD does a good job or not. It's about the Chiefs inability to control and LEAD it's members. The off duty behavior is unacceptable. We hold the Police to a higher standard if they are on duty or off duty and we should hold the CVFD to the same standard whether they are getting paid or not. I've lived in this town for twelve years. I have seen good things from the CVFD and some bad. But these allegations regarding off duty behavior are disturbing. How can a Fire Captain run from the police and still have standing in the department? Firefighters purposely speeding so that they can video tape the traffic stop? C'mon. This FD obviously needs better leadership and discipline. Chief Cartier step up and take control or step down.
- TK, Candia

It must be a regional thing.... Chief Pratt in Raymond isn't much better....
- Dennis, Auburn

Don;t get wrapped around the hub, shady behavior creats concern. Stop the BS and do your job. And you wont have to explain
- Robert P, merrimack NH

Thank you to the members of the Candia Fire Department. These men give freely of themselves to serve the citizens. They attend trainings, and meetings. Many of these volunteers have paid for their own training and education and most of their clothes, and equipment. They give of the personal time and time spent with wives and children to serve the community, even if it is 3:00 am or Christmas Dinner, or a child's birthday, soccer game, first day of school. They are there when needed. Sounds to me like the leadership provided by their chief and captain should be commended.
- Susan C. Sullivan, Merrimack NH

I'm proud to say I've known Chief Cartier for 20+ years, along with a number of the emergency
team.

I am in awe of the time and effort, at personal risk and sometimes personal
expense, they put in for our town. I'm not on the crew, so I know I only see the
tip of the iceberg of what they do for us.

There are plenty of other voices here, so I'll just be brief and say Thank You Candia Fire-Rescue for your service!
- Tom St.Martin, Candia

Let me get this straight. You're going to crucify an entire department based on the actions of a couple of immature little 20-something-year-olds? Yes, there are a few boys on the department that have a lot of growing up to do. It makes me sad that because of them, the rest of the men and women on the department have to suffer. However, I think the residents of Candia have forgotten that these men and women, including my boyfriend, are not paid for their services. They DON'T have to get out of bed at 3:00 am after working a 13-hour day, and respond to a med call or a fire, and then go to work just a few hours later. I think the Candia Fire Department's critics need to remember that. Next time, when it's YOUR house on fire or YOUR medical emergency, I hope you are grateful for the tremendous effort that these professionals put forth. I have nothing but praise for Chief Cartier. He's a really great, upstanding guy. To the brave and hard-working men and women of the Candia FD, you have my thanks and utmost respect.
- Jess, Manchester

I wanted to say that the Union Leader has been known to report inaccurate information more than accurate information, and I can say that they have done it again. To personally call out the entire Candia Fire Department via newspaper article is a cheap shot. If there are actually allegations and reports of unsafe conditions then they should have been included in this article otherwise the credibility of the claim is sketchy.
Rudy is an excellent chief who treats people with respect and sincerity even if they don't agree. I have worked with Rudy on many town committees and have a great respect for his position and the work load he takes upon himself for the town and the fire department. This article is bad journalism nothing more!
- Amanda Soares, Candia NH

I have been a member or the Candia Fire Dept for 15plus years and have served as its chapliain for the past 10 years and I find Rudy Cartier as a very knowiedgable leader the growth of this dept and the proffesional of its members are far above standard for a dept they learn on their own leveint their famliesto serve and lean they will not let their town down this is what Chief has taugh themthe chief asnd firefighters are amoung the best ,dont judge ehat firefighters do on their opwn time is there resonable thanks chief cartier for all you have giveing Charlie
- Charles Dennis, Candia N.H.

And Robert From Hooksett, Thank you for commenting on Dave from Laconia. Seems to me that I would be afraid if I lived in the town where he is a firefighter. Not too good at thinking outside the box I'm afraid. I would gladly put my 14 years exp. on our combi department to a test w/ his!!!
Kudos, and thanks again!
- John, Manchester

Dave from laconia, You have to be a youngster right? I mean come on man, I'm a volunteer and i have more cradentials then some of the career guys,including high angle and below grade rescue, haz mat tech, ice rescue tech, emt-I, I could go on forever. It's childish comments like yours that get honest hard working volunteers a bad name. To bad, but maybe you'll grow up eventually.
- John, manchester

In all honesty, I want the guy who out ran the cops on an ATV to be behind the wheel of the fire truck if they ever have to respond to a call at my house.
- Bill, Candia, NH

I have had a numer of phone calls concerning this matter that have asked for my email address. Please feel free to send you comments (pro or con) to me at 2racbs@comcast.net.

Also, I will be attending the Board of Selectmens meeting this Monday evening if you would like to speak with me (or the Board) on this issue.

Chief Rudy Cartier Jr.
Candia Fire-Rescue
- Chief Rudy Cartier Jr., Candia, NH

Funny. About an hour ago one of our fire trucks went by my house. I didn't see anybody from the Union Leader or county attorney's office in it. As a matter of fact, I didn't see any PAID firefighters in it. Let's be grateful for this fine group of men and women rather than trying to bring them down. I have seen these VOLUNTEERS in action and am very appreciative that they care enough to bring their skills and training to us for FREE.
- Jeanne, Candia

I have to respond in defense of the Fire Chief and the rest of the "volunteer" fire dept. I have lived in Candia for only 2 &1/2 yrs. and during that time have had the fire dept. respond to 2 incidents at our home. They were all professional, competent and responded within minutes of a call being placed. Why has the Union Leader chosen to waste print on this trival nonsense?
- Kathleen Jones, Candia, NH

I'd like to add my voice to those of others in support of Chief Cartier and the dedicated volunteers that donate their time and put their lives on the line for us.

Something about this story doesn't smell right to me. I don't think we're getting the whole story here.

For information such as this to be released in a public forum, and before informing the targets about the criticism, is suspect. I'm guessing there's a political motivation for this. Somebody has a bone to pick.

I have met some of the volunteers mentioned above – and they are indeed younger gentlemen as noted. However I would like to point out that young people occasionally test boundaries and make mistakes. That's a part of growing up and how humans learn. All of these younger gentlemen strike me as decent people and hard workers who volunteer for the right reasons. I'm happy to have them on the department and hope they don't make any rash decisions (such as quitting) as a result of the criticisms above.

Sincerely,

Erik S
Merrill Rd.
- Erik S, Candia

Why don't you leave this guy alone and go after agrafiotis in Hooksett (PD). He is the real danger in his community.
- Steve Walsh, Hooksett

You are slandering an entire volunteer fire department. These people work full time jobs and then work to keep you safe and help you in your time of need. Unless they have criminal backgrounds that place your lives in jeopardy then why do you attempt to disolve it by reporting this stuff? Why don't you publish the list of traffic violations or comments on inproprieties caused by employees and owners of the Union Leader and let the people that save lives do their jobs!!!
- CHUCK SULLIVAN, BOCA RATON, FL

There is simply not enough detail in this article to make an informed decsion. Did any of these crimes result in actual legal action - or just "talking". What important protocols do the other fire chiefs feel our department is not following? I think it's ridiculous to claim this is the result of jealousy. The force, including the chief, is all volunteer and operates on a budget of about $100,000 per year to cover a town over 30 square miles with over 4,000 residents -- who would be envious of that situation? Perhaps if we had a paid staff we could hold them more accountable for their actions. As for the claim that what they do off-duty is none of our business is ridiculous. A demonstration of poor judgement is very serious. I would not want to put my life in the hands of someone who routinely broke the law and endangered their own life. It is irrelevant whether they were on duty or not. However, this article was far too vague to make any judgements.
- Kerri, Candia

I will say I am severely disappointed with the Union Leader and the CA's office with the way the release of this report was handled. The report should have been forwared to the town and the accused before being released to the UL for slandering all over the state. We've only heard the CA's statements, not the other side of the story from Candia.

I have been on Candia Fire since 1999, and Rudy has always been a source of encouragement for me over that time. Rudy was the one who was always there to talk with when I need advice about something, who would always push me to do more, and would always challenge me in the world of fire and EMS. Rudy was the guy who got me interested in emergency medical services, and I am happy to say that I work on an ambulance as an EMT because of Rudy. I am also now attending school to become a Paramedic, all because of Rudy's encouragement.

The Candia Fire department has become a better place with Rudy in charge, and has made some advances in ensuring the Town of Candia had excellent fire and EMS services. Here are some specific examples of his leadership that has made a difference:

-Established a policy allowing non-residents to join the fire department. Non-residents now comprise about 1/2 of the department roster of 30 people.

-Established a policy of minimum required training. All members must be a firefighter or EMS provider within one year of membership.

-Established an minimum activity policy, which requires members to attend a minimum number of trainings and work details, ensuring all members are familiar with department policies, equipment, and operations.

-Recieved a federal grant for a 2006 tanker truck soley through his own work, saving the taxpayers thousands of dollars.

-Also recieved a grant for a full-time intern, which ensured we had day-time coverage when most members are out of town at work.

I challenge anyone who says we are "cellar savers" to come and see how a volunteer fire department really works. When the call goes out, there is no one at the station, everyone has to come in from home, or work, and do the call. This takes time, and during that time the fire will grow exponentially. Please keep that in mind before you comment.

I'm glad to see so many Candia residents commenting in support of Rudy and the fire department. Your continued support is appreciated!
- Joshua, Candia, NH

Seriously? I didn't find in the article where the chief did anything wrong. Did I miss it? Or does his subordinates speeding translate to him doing it? In my mind at least, this report sounds dangerously close to slander.
- Kevin, Bennington

Dave from Laconia... dress up? Really? Maybe they are in "FF clothes" because they are volunteer and on call 24/7, you think? Dressing up may be something you do and that's fine, but I doubt very much you would consider their professionalism/dedication "play time" if they were responding to your emergency. As for "ride on the coat tails of the real fire fighters", a lot of volunteer members want to help out their communities but have other careers. They go through the same training and have to deal with the same emergencies so try to think before you disrespect those who are dedicated to more than just themselves.
- Robert, Hooksett

First let me say I am currently at a huge disadvantage in this discussion as I do not have the information the Union Leader nor the Board of Selectmen has,

Secondly, the citizens of and visitors to Candia are safe in the hands of your trained and dedicated firefighters and emergency medical services providers,

Third, I will respond to the allegations once I have reviewed all the information, and,

Finally, I wish to thank those posters who have voiced support for both me and, more importantly, the volunteer, yet professional, men and women of the Candia Fire-Rescue Department.

Chief Rudy Cartier Jr.
- Chief Rudy Cartier Jr., Candia

Could this be a political opinion against someone who they do not like???? Seems to me that they are blaming the Cheif for something not on his "watch". I suppose that when a teacher molests a child at their house, the principal is at fault?

A County Attorney who might have an agenda for Towns to have full time fire departments maybe???

The VFD in Candia is about the best I have ever seen. They take their work seriously and are diligent in their work when called upon.

As for the other Town Cheif comments, did the UL interview them to see if what the report stated was actually true????
- Mark S, Candia

Chief Cartier is a great person and an even better leader. The people of Candia and surrounding towns should not be complaining these guys are saving your lives for free! What happens when your house catches fire and you decided to have these guys fired for things that happen outside of the professional setting? Chief Cartier is not a babysitter and should not be held accountable for what the other firefighters do. Would the police chief be fired if his deputies were misbehaving? If people are so upset about the firefighters getting out of trouble with the police, why don’t you go ask the officers why they let them go? Perhaps the town should stop being so stingy and start paying them, then they can have a say in how things are run.

This sounds more like a witch-hunt than anything.
- Lindsay, Manchester, NH

It seems evident that County Attorney Jim Reams and Union Leader correspondent Gretyl Macalaster are reporting only one side of this issue. Have all the parties of all sides been interviewed so a more balanced and factual report could be presented and submitted for publication? The article and report seem to indicate intentional intervention from a source determined to "smear" the reputation of specific individuals, a tactic that does not warrant this type of action and reporting without more factual evidence. At what point did we begin to label our first responders to dangerous situations a "danger to the public."
- Vince, Nashua

Hmm ...
Candia FD saved my house from a chimney fire;

Chief Cartier tended my little girl when she was hurt in an accident;

Candia Fire & Rescue's prompt response saved a neighbor's life when he had a heart attack ...

And that's just off the top of my head.

A public danger? Not so much.

Few people can match the dedication, professionalism and personal commitment exhibited by Candia Fire & Rescue and Chief Cartier.
- tom, Candia

I wonder if there is any relevance to the Candia firefighter who was charged with numerous cases of arson. That's what this reporter should get cracking on, I never saw a verdict on that case and I'm sure it's gone to trial by now.

*** (Editor's note: The firefighter's 12-month jail sentence was reported on September 25.) ***
- Doug, Keene

I am just curious about all the posts that have blamed the police for not doing their jobs or letting these guys go with a slap on the wrist. Did I miss that paragraph, because this article does not say whether they were let off with a warning for these incidents, or if they were ticketed or arrested. I love how people assume instantly and jump all over public servants without having all of the facts.

As for the guy who made the post about doughnuts in the cops bellies, wow, please tell me you are above the age of 12 to make that comment, I would be embarrassed.
- Bob, Manchester, NH

As a long time friend or Chief Cartier and one who has worked many times on fire and emergency medical calls with Chief Cartier I have nothing but the highest regard and respect for this great man. He gives everything of himself and asks for nothing in return but the respect of the community for the great job he's done over the many,many years of Volunteer service to not only Candia but the surrounding communities as well. I would nor have I ever felt threatened when working hand in hand with Chief Cartier and his great staff of Volunteers. As a former Deerfield Volunteer firefigter and EMT I can qualify any and all of the above statements and find that someone just has an axe to grind with the chief. Why can't people just be responsible for their own actions and not be so quick to point fingers at others before looking in the mirror to make sure the finger is being pointed in the right direction. The chief of any Volunteer department IS NOT responsible for the actions of off duty members. I would say that as members of a Volunteer fire or medical response team that those members should conduct themselves as professionals at all times and bear in mind that they are constantly in the publics eye and act accordingly, like ladies and gentlemen as they are a direct reflection of that department. Leave Chief Cartier alone and get your own acts together and the world will be a better place. I am sure that if all the nay sayers and finger pointers lives were dragged out into the open that their seemingly perfect lives would have some not so nice things in their past either that could be brought to the publics eye and I am sure that the name calling and finger pointing wouldn't be so funny then. I am proud to have been able to have served, mentored and trained by such a great professional as Chief Cartier and to this day I would have no problem entering any situation under Chief Cartiers leadership. Jim B.
- James Boggio, Roswell, NM

I believe that the incidents stated above have been handled by the fire chief the police department and the selectmen. They have not gone unnoticed from there eyes and the participants have been punished rightfully so. If the surounding towns have issues with Candia's Fire Chief maybe they should talk to him and try to work out the kinks so that during times of mutual aid things operate smoothly. The incidents that have been mentioned no way describe Chief Cartier being a danger to the town. Instead describe dumb decisions made by a few members of the department. I stand behind the town and I know that If I ever have to dial 911 the Candia Fire Department will be there to help in the worst times of someones lives. As any public job any actions whether private or public can and will be placed in the public's eyes. I stand behind the town the firefighters and after reading this article only hope that the Candia Fire Department can and will grow a bigger bond with the surrounding towns as this is the only fault that I have read about Chief Cartier.
- Don, Candia

Candia is a full VOLUNTEER fire dept, after the call is over with everyone goes their separate ways. What people do in their free time is their business not department affairs. Again as stated before alll services given by the CVFD are FREE. None of this has to do with the chief of the department.
- Tom, Manchester

The selectmen should have been tipped off when the FD painted a big 07 on the side of their trucks and had the horn play dixie.
- Steve B, Derry

"scathing" ? Shouldn't the reader make up his/her own mind, Macalaster?
There isn't anything in this entire article to show danger to any but firefighters who are taking direction from more than one chief. I hope our selectmen will instruct our department not to invite Auburn, Deerfield or Raymond to any Candia fires from now on and not to go to theirs. If you don't want to play by the house rules, don't go to the party.
And, Macalaster, just who requested this investigation? Don't you think this article is short on facts?
- judy seward, candia

Carrott, Auburn

"The failure of Fire Chief Rudy Cartier to immediately notify the state fire marshal about the suspicious nature of a fire involving the girlfriend of a Candia firefighter."

That is what the Chief DID NOT do....

Your gonna tell me that the chief was NOT notified that these other things happend.... get your head out of the sand.
- lisa, chester

I see bad judgments made by some of the volunteer firefighters when not on duty. Where is the "danger to the public" that the fire chief has been accused of? The other towns chiefs trust issues are their issue. I would like to know if the people of Candia feel they are in danger by their fire chief or fire department?
- Dave, Manchester

As that old saying goes..."You get what you pay for."
- Steve, Epsom

I think it's a shame to be criticizing the Candia FD. They haven't lost a chimney yet.
- Paul B, Manchester

They need a town full of people who will actually support them, and maybe take the small tax increase to pay them, but the people of Candia are too concerned with their own penny to put back into the fire department. They should pay them for the services they provide to anyone, and stop attacking them for what they do in their personal time. Their personal time and things such as speeding tickets have nothing AT ALL to do with how they respond to incidents, and to the reports on Chief.
Our family supports both the fire and police department, but, you notice that these men were allowed to get away with the things in their personal time? So why is the title Candia Fire Chief is a danger to the public and the police department not questioned at all????
- J, Candia

What a great team! Attorney Reams compiles a list of irrelevant concerns about the Candia fire chief and the Union Leader sensationalizes them on front page of their newspaper. Anything political going on here?
- Dave, Candia

What goes on outside the department has nothing to do with the Chief. What did go on outside the department should have been handled by the police department, the Cheif didnt tell them to go out and be bad in public. This is a good Fire Department with members who give there all and they do it for free. Dont hold the actions of individuals against others. No one person is perfect.
- Ann, Candia, NH

I am an EMT with a local ambulance service that services the Town of Candia and have worked with Chief Cartier and the Candia FD on numerous occasions.

As far as "immaturity" is concerned, I would say it's completely unfounded based on my numerous interactions with firefighters on accident and medical scenes. I cannot comment on their conduct at fire scenes, but if their previous on the job behavior is any indication then they are well above reproach.

As far as the Chief is concerned, I have seen him responding frequently throughout all hours of the night to various emergencies. This is much more of a commitment then I'd expect to see from a volunteer Chief and it speaks volumes to Rudy's dedication and service to the town. He has always been helpful and professional at all times. Those not involved in the emergency services should be reminded that a fire officer's job is not to do the entire job on their own, instead they let their firefighters manage the tasks and take charge of scene safety and overall coordination. As far as some of the comments thus far, it is very clear that all or most have not worked in the emergency services field before. Chris from Candia: $50.000 is a drop in the bucket in terms of what it takes to run a fire department. And as far as your "haven't lost a foundation yet" crack, that's a typical challenge dealt with by volunteer departments. If you're not paying people to be in a station, then there is a longer delay involved in response. Fires spread rapidly and can go from manageable to out of control in mere minutes. If you are concerned about quicker response, then I suggest you try to get support for a full time FD within town. You certainly won't be complaining about $50,000 at that point when you get the bill to fund a full time department with 3 or 4 firefighters staffed around the clock.
- Anonymous, Durham, NH

Nice to see a town that can attract young men to the fire service! With youth comes immaturity... sounds like the police department should be happy the donuts getting PR are those in the parking lot not the donuts in the cops bellies.... usually the shoe is on the other foot...

Here the grey hairs out number the brown, so having young participants in a dangerous volunteer job for the town, has always granted them a little slack, I’m ok with that, if it blowing off steam in a way others aren’t affected.

By the way, did the UL forget to mention the training, certification, physical conditioning and danger of the job they perform?

Why did I not see a single mention of a “Fire Command” related charge or issue… the closest was a judgment call on a suspicious fire of a firefighter’s girlfriend…. And neither the AG nor the Union Leader followed up… Why was there no result of that case?.. Was that fire an arson?.. or was the Chief’s call correct and the Fire Marshal confirmed his decision.??

A Fire Chief from a nearby town that refuses to follow the local jurisdictions’ protocols should be investigated themselves. THAT is a failure of the command and control process in spades…Mutual Aid agreements are legally binding documents between municipal governments, not the choice of the local Fire Chiefs…
- Bob, Francestown

These individual's need to be kicked out off the fire dept. Just from this article, there is no reason to fire the chief. It appears the men do not respect the chief or their positions (volunteer or not). As for the chief, unless there's more to the story, nothing mentioned would be enough to fire him. Time to find a new crew to protect Candia, and help surrounding towns.
- C Mac, Allenstown

Volunteer or no volunteer...doing 60 in a school zone would warrant an arrest for most of us as driving to endanger. As a taxpayer and fellow driver, I want to know why this Matt Richter was not charged and why he has special treatment. Most school zones are 20 MPH, if he was doing 60....then he was 40 MPH over the speed limit, a loss of license for the rest of us. If I was a Candia citizen...I would be irate.
- tracy, manchester

Chris do your research and you'll find that it's expensive to protect property and citizens of any town. You complain now?... just wait until Candia has to pay personnel for their emergency services. I agree with James and Carrott that the "indiscretions" of these individual members while they are away from the fire dept should have no ill effect on the chief. I hate how a few negative things can wipe away the years of good these people have done for the town. They give themselves to help others and in return only the complaints seem to make headlines.
- Robert, Hooksett

Chris, get your facts straight. Candia's newest apparatus is a 2006, paid for by a grant. Prior to that, its a 2002, Followed by a 1996.
- Matt, Manchester NH

What the off-duty people of the fire department do are there own buisness, Even if it involves speeding, disobaying a officer etc.. None of theses issues had to due with the department themselves. The Candia Fire Department does a good job and these people volunteer there time for free. What ever the issues the attorney believes are there with the Cheif should not include others.
- Bill, Candia, NH

This is the problem with volunteer fire fighters who couldn't get jobs as full time fire fighters when they still get to ride on the coat tails of the real fire fighters. You'll never see someone around town wearing more FF clothes than a volunteer. Its like they play dress up.
- dave, laconia

To me it looks like what the firefighters did on there own time not representing the fire dept should have no effect on the fire chief. Correct me but was not Capt. Wilson on an OHRV was Mr. Wilson. Was not FF Richter and FF Ball. Was Mr. Richter and Mr. Ball. This information has nothing to do with what the Fire Chief has done. This was by individuals outside of the Dept. They should not be tagged as Firefighters on there own time. I think that whole Dept. does a great service for the town Nevermind that they protect us for FREE keep that in mind.
- James, Candia, NH

Sounds to me, the Candia FD is the best around, and this is jealousy. Or, you don't suppose, just maybe, because the Candia FD is "volunteer" ?
- tommy, manchester,nh

CFD's motto is "we haven't lost a foundation yet!" I also would have liked to read about the firefighter who was setting fires around town. The real kick is this town has been giving this dept upwards of 50 thousand and a year! I would love to see a comparison of surrounding depts to see who has the most and who has the newest equipment, wanna bet? hey selectmendo your job and fire him!
- Chris, Candia

Michael King, Candia FD has always been volunteer.
- John, Titusville, Fl

Where do you begin w/this story? After all the stated offenses, you mean to tell me the Selectmen aren't aware of these issues? Didn't this department go volunteer a few years ago?
- Michael King, Epping

OK, the cases cited show misconduct by members of the Candia Fire Department and not misconduct by the Fire Chief. The speeding fireman should have been given a tickedt, the Fire Captain arrested and charged with Disobeying a Police Officer and the illegal burn handled by the State Fire Warden. Just because the Chief did not, cannot or will not control the conduct of his men AWAY from the Fire Department does not make him a "danger".
How about some specific bad deeds by this Fire Chief so that I and other readers can "see" firsthand the conduct Mr. Reams says is so dangerous?
- Carrott Morse, Auburn NH