Firefighters union denounces public policy regarding first responders

United Firefighters Union of Puerto Rico President José Tirado

By THE STAR STAFF

United Firefighters Union of Puerto Rico President José Tirado charged on Monday that Gov. Jenniffer González Colón, Public Safety Secretary Arthur Garffer and Firefighters Bureau Commissioner Josué Piñeiro Torres “maintain a public policy against first responders.”

“We are still waiting for the payment of overtime for firefighters, compliance with the $100 contribution to the health insurance plan, and a fair solution for the retirement of our colleagues,” Tirado said in a written statement. “Requesting that the needs of our firefighters be addressed is not a minor issue, and it must be handled seriously and urgently. This neglect in resolving urgent matters reveals the indifference of this government.”

The union leader criticized the governing administration’s inaction despite the efforts made by the union to address the grievances. He asserted that Garffer’s repeated refusals to meet with firefighters’ representatives reflect a lack of commitment.

“Firefighters are asking themselves: What exactly does Garffer do?” he said.

Tirado also maintained that the government’s actions are purely “for show.”

“The evidence is clear. Garffer, the governor, and the fire commissioner are only pretending to do something, solely to be documented in photos and videos,” he said. “It’s just a show for social media, nothing more.”