Wilmington officials are trying to determine where they can find the money needed to paid worker's compensation claims for the firefighters who suffered serious injuries in a September rowhome fire that claimed three firefighters.
The city, because it is self-insured, does not have insurance to cover worker's compensation costs, Mayor Mike Purzycki told The News Journal.
Purzycki estimates the costs to be around $9 million, but the costs could grow.
Firefighter Brad Speakman sustained serious burns in the fire and continues continues treatment and might require plastic surgery.
"There’s the risk manager, the finance department, the auditor, the human resources director. Who's supposed to be in charge of this?" City Councilwoman Loretta Walsh told the newspaper. "How did it slip through so many fingers?"
The life insurance policies for Capt. Christopher Leach, Lt. Jerry Fickes and firefighter Ardythe Hope, who died, were covered.
"It's a horrific disaster and tragedy for these families," Purzycki said. "We'll work through the finances."
Earlier this week, the Mayor announced that Fire Chief Anthony Goode was demoted to senior firefighter.
