Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer is recommending the city’s fire department hire a man who spent time in prison, against the wishes of some Pittsfield firefighters.
Tyer says she plans to bring the appointment of Fred Conyers to the Pittsfield City Council on September 13 because Conyers is ranked at the top of the civil service list and has the support of the fire chief. Conyers says he was arrested in 2003 and served 3 and half years in prison for cocaine possession with intent to distribute and possession of an illegal firearm. Tyer says council approval is a formality and insists she will appoint Conyers with or without its blessing.
“Fred’s story perfectly illustrates what we mean when we say that we believe in second chances,” said Tyer in a closed press conference with area media Tuesday.
The Pittsfield Professional Firefighters Union Local 2647 president sent a memo to Tyer and city councilors saying a majority of members feel Conyers should not be appointed. President Robert Leary tells WAMC Conyers will be welcomed into the department as any other candidate would.
