Firefighters union boss calls for LV fire chief to resign

Monday, Nov. 11, 2002 | 9:43 a.m.

The head of the local firefighters union today called for city of Las Vegas Fire Chief David Washington to resign following a weekend vote of no confidence for the chief and his two deputies.

"He should resign for the betterment of this department," said Dean Fletcher, president of Local 1285 of the International Association of Firefighters. "His attitude has been cavalier."

The vote of no confidence was 214 to 108. That represents about 60 percent of the 550 members, but, Fletcher said, if you do not count 48 cadets, that's about a 75 percent turnout.

"That's a mandate," Fletcher said.

While the vote has no bearing on the jobs of the top firefighters, it was the most significant display of what has been a growing rift between firefighters and top brass since Washington was promoted to chief in August 2001.

City Manager Doug Selby said today he will not fire Washington.

"Our plans are to sit down with the firefighters and discuss why they feel as they do and what the issues are," Selby said, noting that the union did not support the city's decision to hire Washington. "I am confident we have a good fire chief."

In a statement today Washington gave no indication he is considering leaving.

"As a former member of the union, I respect every member's right to his or her opinion," said Washington, the department's first black fire chief. "My top priority remains the safety of our community.

"Since becoming fire chief, everything I have done has been with the intent of making our department the best in the country. Our citizens deserve nothing less. I am confident that, despite this vote, we will continue to deliver the highest level of service and commitment to our community."

The union also gave a no-confidence vote of 208-111 to Deputy Chief Gene Campbell and a 165-160 vote of no-confidence to Deputy Chief Jeff Morgan.

"The difference was that Chief Morgan went around to the stations and made an effort to address concerns," Fletcher said.

Campbell is black. Morgan is white.

Washington has pushed the issue of racial diversity since becoming chief. However, an incident occurred at a July class on diversity that rookies said made them feel uncomfortable.

As a result, the union in October voted in favor of holding a no-confidence polling of its members.