Dear Billy T and Somerville/Medford News Weekly Speakup Line,

I said when I checked all my facts with the Fire Dept post I made the other night I would spread the information so people can actually get some transparency around here.

I have never in my life had more respect for a Chief, as I do, Chief Freedman.

Chief Freedman: myself, my little ladies and countless others in this community THANK YOU for your many years of dedication to Medford.

We are absolutely heartbroken to hear you have resigned effectively immediately as Chief from the MFD. However, cannot blame you one bit.

This man, is the true definition of a leader. This is what a chief looks like, someone who displays courage and stands up for his fellow brothers and sisters at the Medford Fire Department.

This man has given back so many times to the people and kids of this community. Everytime I have asked for something for the kids, if he could make it happen, he did. This man didn’t bat an eyelash when I asked him if we could have a fire truck holding the flag last year for the Krystle Capmbell tournament. Every time we have asked to allow the girl scouts to come check out the Fire houses, he made it happen and the list goes on. Haven’t seen such a humble Chief in years.

Hearing how this man was treated by this Mayor absolutely sickens me.

Allegedly he stood up to this hostile administration for his fellow Department which took courage and bravery.

He didn’t cower like another Chief we know has, to play politics. He DEFENDS HIS BROTHERS and SISTERS, as he should. He is a Fireman’s, FIREMAN in every sense of the word.

Allegedly he was told to suspend certain Fire fighters who took allowed time off. Time, they have EARNED, and have absolutely every right legally, to take.

Good for him and good for those of you who have the courage to take a stand when you were told after waiting how many years for a contract? That
now the money you were supposed to FINALLY receive for covid pay was going to be sent out in installments rather than 1 check that was agreed upon and that you deserve?!

An administration mind you, that has been doing back doors deals, has lawsuit after lawsuit, no staff, and is down right berating the good men of this community, seems like someone has some resentments she needs to work on calling them “the mans club” all the time, kinda discriminating if you ask me, one who is using her power and the whole “I am women hear me roar” mantra to find fault with men, then play the victim, men who have given so much to this community. The same men who stood behind her when she first ran for office.

Funny we had money just fine to give the SC a raise that she just so happens to sit on the chair of yet our brave first responders get treated like this? Shame on anyone of you SC members for accepting that raise just my opinion, only 1 of you had the courage to speak out against this.

She’s now allegedly telling them they can’t erase text messages, emails or any other correspondence due to her investigation, to save her own, I’m sure. Who in Gods name does she think she is telling people what they can and cannot do with there own personal cell phones?

Cheif Freedman you will be missed greatly. Walk with your head held high, you are a class act my friend, nothing but love and utmost respect for you.

Kerry Laidlaw