Jon Johnson Photo/Gila Herald: Safford Fire Chief Clark Bingham, left, and Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Anderson address the Safford City Council in 2018. Bingham has issued a statement regarding the alleged inappropriate behavior of some firefighters during Independence Day celebrations.
Staff Reports
SAFFORD – On Saturday morning, the Gila Herald posted a release from Safford Mayor Jason Kouts regarding an alleged incident of inappropriate behavior by some firefighters during Independence Day. In the release, Mayor Kouts said the city would investigate the situation and the city council would be brought a report including recommendations of any disciplinary action and training necessary to ensure that this behavior is not repeated in the future.
Saturday evening, Safford Fire Chief Clark Bingham issued the following statement regarding the allegations and investigation.
“I would like to take the opportunity to publically apologize to the members of the Graham County Sheriff Department for my inappropriate reference to members of the department as “County Mounties”. Upon reflection could see how this comment while used is jest could be misinterpreted by some members of the department or the public. I will like to assure everyone that no harm or ill will was intended by my reference. (sic)
To the members of the BLM Forest Service, I also apologize for the lude and inappropriate comment harled at you during one of the two fire incidents on the fourth of July. There can not be a satisfactory explanation for the comments made by a member of our department. Simply put, it was vulgar and inappropriate, for that, I apologize on behalf of the Safford Fire Department. We have enjoyed many years of cooperation and calibration in the vital public service we provide to the community and your ever willingness to step in and help us in time of need has always been appreciated. I can only hope that we can get beyond this unfortunate incident as soon as possible and we can get back to the level of cooperation, assistance, and respect we have enjoyed while serving our community.
I am going to institute a mandatory training series on proper radio protocol for every member of my department as well as sensitivity training to ensure that behavior in public and private meets the level of professionalism expected of us when responding to an emergency call.
By now, it is common knowledge the city council has ordered an investigation I encourage everyone contacted during this process to fully cooperate with the investigating team.”
