Firefighter’s case ignites debate

Re “Firefighter settlement sharply splits council,” Nov. 29

Seeing the pictures of Tennie Pierce participating in the hazing of other firefighters reminded me of a time when I was a young, new motorcycle officer. I stopped at a fire station in South Los Angeles to get a break from the summer heat. Later, I found my helmet in a freezer. I laughed and put it on, only to find out later that one of the firefighters had put charcoal in the helmet liner. Imagine the looks I got when people saw the black streaks on my face as I rode down the street.

Initially I was ticked, then amused and honored to be the subject of the firefighters’ hazing. That’s what bonds people in hazardous professions.

ROY P. BALLESTEROS

Los Angeles

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As a white resident of Los Angeles whose taxes support the Fire Department, the City Council and the mayor’s office, I am deeply troubled by this story. Pierce is absolutely right: This is wrong. I understand the outrage in the black community, but where is the outrage from the rest of us?

LYNN KESSLER

Sherman Oaks

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Is the city serious? Shake up the silly behavior in the Fire Department and fire some pranksters. I think this has gone far enough. That $2.7 million could provide a lot of blankets to those who are cold and soup to the hungry. I think one has to really look at priorities, and the mayor is on target.

MICHAEL S. SAVOIA

West Hollywood