(ran PW, PC editions of Pasco Times)
The Spring Hill firefighters union, which has watched for months as its president and vice president were embroiled in a rape investigation, has new leadership.
Capt. Mike Rampino, one of the highest ranking firefighters in the district, will become president of the Professional Firefighters of Spring Hill, Local 2794.
Rampino was unopposed in his bid for the presidency, which has been held for the past 10 years by Lt. John Ferriero. Ferriero is one of three firefighters at the center of the rape allegations. Prosecutors declined to press charges.
“I’d like to get things on track if possible,” Rampino said.
Ferriero and union vice president Edward Falk, along with firefighter Tom White, were accused in June of sexually assaulting a Spring Hill woman at a firefighters convention near Orlando.
After a lengthy investigation, prosecutors decided there was insufficient evidence to file criminal charges. But the three firefighters still face possible disciplinary action if fire district officials determine they broke department policy.
Ferriero, like the other two accused firefighters, remains on paid administrative leave until the department’s internal investigation is complete. He could not be reached Monday for comment.
Rampino said Ferriero chose not to seek another two-year term as president. Falk, on paid leave, is still the union’s vice president. His term is not yet complete.
Rampino, 39, received the appointment as union president late Friday. He said he hasn’t had time to develop an agenda. But he said he wants the union to continue its good working relationship with fire commissioners and fire department managers, and continue the department’s quality fire service to the community.
“We belong to a proud organization, and we just want to get back on our feet and press forward,” Rampino said.
Rampino is a shift commander, which means that during the hours that he works he is directly responsible for the operation of the fire district, answering only to the fire chief and the assistant fire chief.
Rampino has previously served as a vice president in the union. Union treasurer Lt. Alex Lopez, a firefighter/paramedic, said Rampino served well in that role.
“He is a good leader. He has a good rapport with not only the people underneath him, the firefighters, but also the administration and the fire commissioners,” Lopez said.
Fire chief J.J. Morrison said he looks forward to working with Rampino.
