Providence Firefighters Criticize Administration at Miguel Luna Remembrance
Kate Nagle, GoLocal News Editor
Providence Firefighters Criticize Administration at Miguel Luna Remembrance
The event “Protect Our Community, Protect Miguel Luna’s Legacy” was organized by Luna’s ex-wife Shannah Kurland, and drew nearly 100 community supporters who came both to honor Luna’s life and criticize the Elorza Administration for the ongoing strife with firefighters.
“It’s bad enough to see the attacks on firefighters, but when I heard about [engine] ten, I thought oh no,” said Kurland. “This is sacred ground. The reason why we’re here is what Miguel built.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTLuna had served on the Providence City Council beginning in 2003, before he passed away after a heart attack in 2011 at the age of 53.
“The well-liked Luna was the first Dominican-American elected to the Council. He represented Ward 9 (Elmwood and Washington Park) and was known as a strong advocate for Providence public schools,” wrote GoLocal the time.
Labor, Elected Officials Weigh In
“I want to thank Dante and Omar for sharing their father with me, with us,” said Paul Doughty, President of the Local 799, of Luna's sons, who helped unveil the painting. “There was no greater advocate for the Providence Fire Department in the whole city. What he wanted was justice, fairness…and the things that mattered. Those things are gone in this administration."
Doughty then went on to state that the city had first originally closed a station on the East Side on Saturday before switching part of the impact to the Broad Street station — which the Administration has denied.
State Representative Joe Almeida spoke briefly, saying he had to leave the event to attend a Providence delegation meeting.
Referencing the nickname of the firehouse firefighters (the “Broad Street Bullies”), Almeida riled up the crowd.
“Joe’s going to bring the political bully,” said Almeida before he left, to cheers.
Providence Firefighter Tweets
Paul Doughty responds to a post by Elorza on another subject, to steer the fight back to the firefighters.
A photo meme that was orginated by firefighters in social media, before being used on signs during a recent firefighter rally at City Hall.
The fighfighters take to Twitter to convey their positions on a number of issues.
Local 799's Derek Silva tweets a cartoon "fantasty" Tweet with Elorza.
Elorza's post recognizing fire chief Cunha's service gets minimal interaction.
On May 21, when Elorza announced the platoon shift, he tweeted instead about a volunteer event he attended -- and not of the firefighter decision.
Other press coverage of Elorza is often commented on by Doughty on Twitter.
Doughty uses Twitter to show the contrast of a prior Elorza statement, versus his current position.
A pro-union tweet garners significant Twitter interaction.
Doughty takes to social media to tell firefighter supporters than any threats against the Mayor would not be tolerated.
Doughty often comments on other actions by Mayor Elorza in an effort to bolster the firefighters' position.
Doughty takes immediate social action after the Mayor weighs on about the recent court decision.
Media coverage on the fight is often retweeted by Doughty -- something which Elorza does not do with firefighters.
A pro-union post retweeted by Doughty; the firefighters often engage other unions' support.
