The SSVFD/TOSS Contract....................................................................

This is the one point that completely mystifies me when it comes to how the SSVFD's detractors and some currently seated Council members cite it.  It is as if those opposing the SSVFD don't want to know what s in it, don't want to read it, and claim that the SSVFD is violating it.

There shouldn't be any mystery, misunderstanding, or misrepresentation; it's available in it's entirity right here.

The product of two years of haranguing and the second re-write in the same period, the SSVFD/TOSS service contract was accepted and approved by unanimous vote of the Council (Smith, McDonald, Hess, Stroud , and Pfizenmayer), February 24, 2009.

Mayor Smith's words on this contract:

During my service with SSVFD I learned many lessons including; the SSVFD, Dare County EMS, and SSPD are truly outstanding and among the best in the nation. I also learned that it takes tremendous motivation, outstanding skill, and tireless dedication to serve, manage, and administer first-class organizations like this. My hat is off to everyone who serves!


This past year we were successful in negotiating the first long-term contract with our Fire Department. It is not a buzzword when I say it is mutually beneficial - it is a fact! Everyone benefits from having our great relationship cemented by long-term strategic planning. The negotiations were not easy and at times they were challenging but that is the true nature of business negotiations. As stewards of the public trust it is the responsibility of the mayor and town council to obtain the best possible outcome for the town. At some point in time, all of Town Council and our Town Manager participated in these negotiations and all were totally committed to the development of a fair and objective long-term, mutually-beneficial agreement and that is what we got. I was pleased with the results, proud of closing the deal with Chief Bob Harvey and presenting the results to Town Council who approved it unanimously.

The entire statement and a full chronological account of the "unpleasantries" between the TOSS and SSVFD can be found by  reviewing my old posts from 2008 - 09.

Note the reference above to "it takes tremendous motivation, outstanding skill, and tireless dedication to serve, manage, and administer first-class organizations like this".  An entirely different representation than he now espouses.