Lincoln fire chief censured by national labor union, alleging mismanagement

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Delegates with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) has censured Lincoln Fire and Rescue (LFR) Fire Chief David Engler due to alleged mismanagement.

IAFF is a a labor union that represents fire fighters and emergency medical personnel, representing over 360,000 workers between the U.S. and Canada.

According to IAFF, the Lincoln Fire Fighters Association IAFF Local 644 reported that Engler subjected fire fighters and paramedics to unfair discipline.

Engler allegedly disciplined a fire fighter for raising safety concerns and suspending or terminating others without due process.

“Lincoln’s professional fire fighters have a hard enough job protecting the city in an understaffed fire department. They should not have to fear retaliation for speaking up about legitimate public safety concerns,” Adam Schrunk, president of IAFF Lincoln Local 644, said.

IAFF alleges that Engler has failed to appropriately hire, train and staff LFR.

Garret Swanson, Chief Communications Officer for City of Lincoln, ensured Engler’s participation towards growing LFR.

“The Mayor’s office is aware of the censure passed by delegates from the IAFF. Since being named Chief of Lincoln Fire & Rescue (LFR), Chief Engler has grown LFR’s operational capacity, increased paramedic staff to meet rising call volumes, created firefighter health and well-being initiatives, and modernized apparatus and equipment,” Swanson said. “These investments have produced better results for Lincolnites which is evident through outcomes such as a cardiac arrest survival rate 2x higher than the national average, an ISO Class 1 rating that helps keep homeowner insurance rates low, and increased firefighter health and recovery rates. We are confident in Chief Engler’s ability to lead LFR now and into the future.”

The censure, a formal condemnation, came after a unanimous vote.

“Lincoln fire fighters must be able to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation, and they need the staffing and support to serve their community safely,” Mark Woolbright, IAFF 2nd District Vice President, said.