International Association of Fire Fighters raise concerns about LFR chief, as city stands behind him

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – Lincoln fire fighters are speaking out about what they say are deceptive practices and declining morale within LFR due to the leadership of Fire Chief Dave Engler.

The tension coming to the forefront in May when the International Association of Fire Fighters – who represent more than 360,000 firefighters and emergency medical workers nationwide- released a letter addressed to the City of Lincoln.

It pointed out that 40+ paramedics have left the department since 2021 due to the way Engler conducted business.

IAFF Local 644 President Adam Schrunk says it’s a problem that can only grow worse, and on Aug. 14 the IAFF had a unanimous vote to censure Chief Engler.

“That’s our highest trained personnel and we have not done a great job of recruiting, retaining those people and sooner or later we’re going to see that impact in the community,” said Schrunk.

He says complaints have compiled these last few years, and most of them were over disputes that were mishandled under Engler, some causing retaliation.

Schrunk says there was one female staffer who was terminated after reporting safety concerns but later regained her job after arbitration.

“When these things occurred, you know obviously, that instills fear in people and the culture shift that came after that was very different. People were uncomfortable coming to work,” said Schrunk.

But the city says Engler’s track record paints a different story, submitting a statement that included the following:

“Engler has increased paramedic staff to meet rising call volumes and expanded the department’s operational capacity,” said Garret Swanson, the chief communications officer for the City of Lincoln.

Swanson also says that the cardiac arrest survival rate in Lincoln is twice the national average, adding that LFR’s ISO is a class one rating.

Schrunk says that is due to the individual commitment of first responders.

“We’re going to take care of the people that we promised to take care of but ultimately it gets more difficult,” he said.

Schrunk also pointed out a survey done with 180 firefighters that showed 45% of participants considered leaving the department, with only 9% saying morale was good.

As for the paramedics that stayed on, Schrunk had this to say.

“They instead drop their paramedic certification. They stay as firefighters, but they continue their paramedic training on their own time because that’s important to have that set of skills and they worked hard on that. It’s disappointing, they’ll give up $11,000 a year to not do that skill,” he said.

Swanson pointing out that Engler has been investing in his staff by saying “Chief Engler has created firefighter health and well-being initiatives and modernized apparatus and equipment.”

The statement also ending with, “We are confident in Chief Engler’s ability to lead LFR now and into the future.”

Schrunk says things are currently at a standstill as he believes that the city is making a judgement based on LFR leaders and not giving enough attention to the voice of the firefighters on the ground.