By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – A 22-year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Department has been selected to lead city firefighters.
Mayor Byron Brown appointed Michael Lombardo to serve as the next city fire commissioner. He is currently a captain at Rescue One, and is also an acting battalion chief.
Brown says Lombardo is considered a "firefighter's firefighter," and is acknowledged as one of the nation's leading authority's on fire operations.
But for now, Lombardo says he will be taking over a department were morale among firefighters is not very good.
"Being perfectly honestly with you, morale has not been the best in the Buffalo Fire Department," Lombardo said. "We would like to see that improved."
The city's fire department is part of a major re-engineering plan for both police and fire. Not all the changes have been embraced by union firefighters, including the control board's wage freeze. Lombardo has been visible in past battles along side union leaders. But Lombardo admits he might be not able to help resolve that matter.
"Bill Clinton was president that last time we received a raise. I think that is a message to everybody," Lombardo said. "That is certainly a matter for the Control Board. And right now it is before the courts. So, I don't know if it is my place right now to say I would like to see it lifted. I absolutely would, but I don't know if I can do much to lift it."
Mayor Brown told reporters that his administration is working on a four year financial plan that calls to remove the wage freeze.
Lombardo says the biggest challenge as fire commissioner will be the fiscal constraints faced by the city, especially as he works to make sure firefighters receive proper training.
Lombardo says he recently turned down a chance to take a fire position in Florida because he wanted to stay in Buffalo.
"And the reason I decided to stay, is because I like it here. I am leaving the fire house, but after 22 years I have finally achieved my dream of leading this department."
Brown's transition team says it conducted a national search receiving 30 resumes and interviewed 15 candidates. Transition team member Francisco Vasquez says Lombardo impressed them on a number of levels including his knowledge of fire fighting, his passion for the city and concern for fellow firefighters.
His appointment now heads to the Common Council for final approval.