Goldstein, Scott

From: Goldstein, Scott

Sent: Friday, February 09, 2018 8:47 PM
To: #FRS.ALL
Subject: Interactions with Contract Custodial Staff

All MCFRS Personnel,

I have been made aware of conduct and interactions between FRS and contract custodial staff that is
unacceptable.

A listing of the interactions includes:

 Flirtatious comments
 A feeling of un-welcomeness
 Unprofessional conversations
 Comments/ personal opinions regarding DACA
 Negative comments regarding diverse neighboring communities
 Body language that suggest exclusion
 Vulgar inappropriate sexual comments

Comments/concerns/occurrences have been cited from multiple FRS worksites with contract
custodial staff. It is not limited to a single station or shift.

As I said during the officer meetings – it’s the responsibility of every officer to ensure a safe
workplace – free of harassment and discrimination. This includes all in and at the stations, FRS or
civilian or vendors or passersby. As an organization we have spent a considerable amount of time
discussing appropriate behavior, policy and legal baselines, and the expectations of all MCFRS
personnel.

All of the interactions above are un-acceptable. While I know many FRS folks at these county stations
welcome and support the custodial staff, the inappropriate actions of a few destroy the work of many.

I want everyone to take a second and look at the Guiding Principles. Many of the principals apply to
the interactions and behaviors outlined above.

 Deliver services to our customers with impartiality and excellence

 Promote the highest standards of safety and welfare
 Serve with integrity and mutual respect
 Recognize the importance of diversity of our workforce and communities
 Be responsible for the honor of our profession and public service
 Promote equity and harmony among career and volunteer personnel

Earlier this week I pushed this concern to the Duty Chief’s and they passed it onto the battalions and
stations with contract custodial staff. I ask that each shift officer, standby crew leader, or staffing
coordinator review the Guiding Principles with all at your next lineup / shift beginning.

Any questions should be directed to your chain of command.

1
Scott E. Goldstein
Fire Chief  
Montgomery County Fire & Rescue Service 
100 Edison Park Drive, 2nd Floor  
Gaithersburg, Maryland 20878 
Office 240-777-2464 
Fax 240-777-2415 
Cell - 240-832-2598 
scott.goldstein@montgomerycountymd.gov 
  
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