Firefighter Matt Cooper To Marry Today Despite The Fact That It Will Probably Cost Him His Job

NBC ID: ARPC5Q7H45 | Production Unit: Today Show | Media Type: Aired Show | Media ID: NY-WTDY-20050618-0001 | Air Date(s): 06/18/2005 | Event Date(s): 06/18/2005

Beschrijving

Event Date(s): 06/18/2005 | Event Location(s): Today New York Studio;Charlotte, North Carolina;Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; | Description: One South Carolina fireman plans on saying those words--those big two words,"I do"--later today. But if he does, he stands to hear two other famous words,"You're fired." Here's why: Matt Cooper is planning on marrying a fire captain's daughter, but the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina, has a policy in place that prohibits family members from working in the same department, and that includesin-laws. In interview from Charlotte, North Carolina, firefighter Matt Cooper says"They just pretty much told me that they were going to do everything they could for me with going to the city. And when they went to the city, they said that I was going to be fired. BROWN: Well, when you heard that, what was your initial reaction? Mr. COOPER: Oh, I was disappointed. I--that's all I want to do. I want to be a firefighter the rest of my life. My father's a firefighter in Ohio, and that's the whole reason why I moved down to South Carolina was to--to be a part of that profession and--and be in this area. BROWN: Mike, the city says it's worried about nepotism, that--that Matt may end up getting special treatment if he's related to the--a fire captain in some way, albeit that it's a different fire station. And they put out a statement. We asked them to come on the show, and they said no, but they did put out a statement that read--reads, quote,"Nepotism does not always lead to problems, but it can and does contribute in both subtle and not-so-subtle ways to a patter of--at best--special treatment and--at worst--unethical behaviors." Can you understand the city's concerns at all? In interview from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, International Association of Firefighters' Mike Parrotta says"Well, I understand some of their concerns, but the nepotism policy was put in place for a hiring policy. After Matt received his job from the city, the law--the policy that is in effect changes. BROWN: Well--well, do you see, Mike, any way where they can possibly work this out or make some kind of exception or waiver or something? Mr. PARROTTA: I believe that the city values Matt as an employee. I believe that the city policy can be changed to step up into the times of today. Nepotism policies have fallen by the wayside in many departments throughout the country. BROWN: Right. Well, Matt, how are you feeling today? I mean, you're getting married later today, and here you are on the show. Is this putting a cloud over it, or are you able to sort of put this aside and enjoy the day? Mr. COOPER: Well, after I get off today, I'm going to put it aside and enjoy my day. I'm pretty excited about getting married today, and--and being happy and going on vacation, and--and putting all this behind me for a little while. BROWN: Well, Matt and Mike, let me just say, I hope there's some way that you guys are able to work this out and that this ends on a good note somehow. We really appreciate you coming on. And Matt, good luck tonight, and congratulations. Mr. COOPER: Thank you very much. Mr. PARROTTA: Congratulations, Matt. BROWN: All right... Mr. COOPER: Thanks, Mike. BROWN: ...best of luck to you. 8:07:44 (:11) CU: Cooper's fiancee CU: Her hand with engagement ring. MS: She speaks at press conference (no audio) as Cooper stands behind her

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Credits:
NBC News Archives
Redactioneel nr.:
1274680970
Collectie:
NBC News Archives Offline
Datum uitzending:
18 juni 2005
Datum van uploaden:
Soort licentie:
Rights ready
Release-informatie:
Geen release. Meer informatie
Locatie:
United States
Bron:
NBC News Archives Offline
Naam materiaal:
ARPC5Q7H45