A Geneva City Council member touched off controversy last week at a hearing about the fire department budget.
When Fire Chief Del Parrotta explained why gear needs to be updated and replaced, Councilman Ken Camera responded with the unusual comment that if the department responds to a fire with gear that isn’t up to date, it should, “Let it burn. Just don’t go in.”
Parrotta said the fire department is simply trying to provide safe equipment for firefighters who must fight fires. Camera later tried to explain his comment, saying he means no disrespect, Rochester First reports, only that firefighters should not put themselves at risk wearing outdated turnout gear.
The funding for the department has not been resolved.
