'FEMS' name topic of hearing. DC Chief Kenneth Ellerbe questioned by City Council over logo change. Also, questions about NFPA compliant uniforms come same day five firefighters are burned.

Previous coverage of this issue here & here

Vote in Washington Post poll on FEMS vs DCFD

DC Fire & EMS Department Chief Kenneth Ellerbe found his recent order to use the name 'FEMS'  instead of the traditional 'DCFD' on t-shirts purchased by firefighters under scrutiny by the City Council. It happened at this morning's FY2012 budget hearing in front of the Committee on the Judiciary & Public Safety. Council members Phil Mendelson and Jack Evans asked Ellerbe about the controversial decision by Ellerbe. Ellerbe had previously indicated 'DFCD' does not cover the EMS activities of the department. At the request of IAFF Local 36 officials Chief Ellerbe has delayed implementing the order for 120 days. Jack Evans has introduced a bill to keep the 'DCFD' name alive. 

The video above starts after a question by Committee Chairman Phil Mendelson about any cost associated with suh a change.

The video below is a brief discussion of the related issue of having firefighters outfitted with safer NFPA compliant uniforms. Mendelson says more than $2.5 million was budgeted to replace polyester pants and shirts during the administration of former Chief Dennis Rubin. The questioning comes on the same day that five DC firefighters were burned during a house fire. One of the firefighters, Charles Ryan, is in critical condition.