05/22/2026
Brother Burdick dedicated nearly nine years of service to the City and has proudly been a member of Local 61 since his very first day on the job. His commitment, professionalism, and brotherhood have made a lasting impact on those he served beside. While we are saddened to see him step away from the department, we fully understand and support his decision to prioritize his health and the well-being of his family.
Unfortunately, Brother Burdick’s situation is not an isolated one. Health concerns within the fire service continue to grow and are slowly crippling members both physically and mentally. Firefighters are exposed daily to dangerous environments, carcinogens, toxic substances, and long-term occupational hazards that cannot continue to be ignored. Leadership often encourages members to speak up and voice concerns regarding safety and health conditions, yet when firefighters or even their family members raise those concerns, they are too often dismissed, minimized, or ignored entirely.
For more than a year, members assigned to Firehouse 8 have repeatedly requested testing and evaluations regarding mold concerns inside their station, yet no meaningful action has been taken, just painting over the concerns. At Station 21, firefighters continue to work in conditions surrounded by gravel roads and an excessive amount of silica dust, creating serious concerns about long-term respiratory health and exposure risks, yet again, little to nothing has been done to address the issue. Again, at Station 9, a wife called in a concern only to be told to stay in her lane, essentially, and mind her own business.
What is even more troubling is that when firefighters do speak up about these concerns, many feel they are retaliated against, isolated, or labeled as problems rather than being listened to and supported. Ask us how we know.. No member should ever have to choose between protecting their career and protecting their health. Firefighters willingly put their lives on the line for their communities every single day, and they deserve leadership that will take their concerns seriously, respond proactively, and prioritize the safety and health of the people doing the work.
Local 61 will continue to stand beside our members and advocate for safer working conditions, proper testing, accountability, and a culture where firefighters can speak openly about legitimate concerns without fear of retaliation.
