City, firefighters' union argue over fire chief
9:20 p.m. Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Tonight, Topeka firefighters are conducting a "vote of no confidence".
By showing city leaders and Topeka citizens they're not happy with the man in charge, they hope Chief Howard Giles will step down on his own.
"We're going nowhere fast. Matter of fact, we're going backwards."
That's the word according to Firefighters Union Local 83 president Kent Dederick.
He and several other firefighters are convinced the Topeka Fire Department would run much smoother if Howard Giles would step down as Fire Chief.
"The number one issue is his lack of leadership," Dederick said.
Dozens of Topeka firefighters gathered to weigh-in on the issue at a "vote of no confidence".
But despite the outcome, city administrators back Giles all the way
"Even though the firefighters may not like exactly what he says or how he does it, he's the chief and we stand behind him," city spokeman David Bevins said. "He brings a lot of structure and stability to the fire department."
Firefighters disagree.
"He's not listening to us, we're not getting the appropriate response out of him," Topeka Fire Department Captain Kelly Adam said.
Kent Dederick hopes to avoid a long, drawn out battle.
If Chief Giles resigns, Dederick said, "That would be the best of both worlds are far as I'm concerned."
But the city says the chief's job is not in jeopardy and hopes solutions will be made and the Topeka Fire Department can move forward with Howard Giles as its leader.
The other shift of firefighters will meet Thursday. It is then they will have a final vote, so the city knows where they stand.
Post a comment
(Requires free registration.)