Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner released this statement on Monday: "Chief Sam Pena is a person of integrity and a strong leader for the Houston Fire Department. Firefighters plan no confidence vote on Chief Pea. Chief Pea responded to the situation following Tuesday's afternoon press conference: "I took an oath to faithfully execute the duties of this office. In a letter to the fire union president released Tuesday, 95 of the department's 105 front line district chiefs are asking to schedule a 'no-confidence' vote in Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena at the . Lancton also responded to Turners statement, saying he had received the district chiefs letter last week and did not organize the effort. When asked what he wants Pena to change, Davis and fellow district chief Chris Chavez complained of a lack of resources, low pay, high cancer rates, a lack of training, poor maintenance on fire trucks and an increasing number of firefighters leaving the department well short of retirement. City of Houston Fire Department ( HFD) is the agency that provides fire protection and emergency medical services for the city of Houston, Texas, United States, the fourth largest city in the United States. 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The firefighters of Houston have suffered enough.". "What the union is doing is 100 percent political and I am certain that the public will see it for what it is.". District chief to lead Houston Fire Department. District Chief at Houston Fire Department Greater Houston. I know that at the core of their discontent is the unions inability to negotiate a contract for its members, he wrote. The former deputy chief of the Hopkinton Police Department has been indicted on child rape charges in connection with alleged assaults on a student that occurred while he was working as a school resource officer in the town, officials announced Monday. ST. LUCIE COUNTY Fire Chief Nate Spera, a more than three-decade veteran with the St. Lucie County Fire District, said he'll miss working with colleagues to problem-solve when he . On Tuesday, Mayor Sylvester Turner released a statement in support of ChiefPea: "I have every confidence in Chief Sam Pena. The firefighters did win the right to collective bargaining in the November election. "As I said last month when the Houston fire union announced its intentions to hold a vote of no confidence inChief Pena, he is doing a great job for the Houston Fire Department and an excellent job for the City of Houston. Copyright 2017, All Rights Reserved. Mayor Sylvester Turner is the only person who can remove Pea from the post he has held since the mayor appointed him in 2016. "He's running for mayor, he can say anything he wants," Blakeney said. Magnolia, Texas 77354 . "The citizens of Houston have suffered enough," the letter states. Chief Pea leads the third largest municipal fire departments in the country with approximately 3,900 personnel and an annual budget of over $559 million. We must focus on fighting fires and floods, and for the resources needed. Firefighters have not had a contract for years and this year, failed twice trying to mediate an end to the drawn-out fight over the Prop B pay parity proposal. Mayor Bill White announce his choice of Phil Boriskie today. The recent promotions of two district chiefs underscore the effects of an ongoing gender gap in the department's ranks . Chief Pea leads the third largest municipal fire department in the country with approximately 3,900 personnel and an annual budget of over $559 million. L&H~iyD&IA`*CA 6.(W=dU +L@g`O b
The City of Houston deserves nothing less than a professional Fire Department ready to preserve the public safety and care for the most vulnerable in our community.". "What the union is doing is 100 percent political and I am certain that the public will see it for what it is.". "It's nothing he doesn't know," Davis concluded, "We've told him we've had a committee, we just want the best for the citizens of Houston. Some of the letters signatories took issue with those characterizations on Tuesday, and said that they were acting on behalf of those who have voiced long-held concerns about the leadership and future of the department. When it is held, such a vote would not require action by Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, who alone hires and fires department heads, including the fire and police chiefs. I love this profession and consider it an honor to lead the Houston Fire Department and the hardworking men and women who have dedicated themselves to the safety of our community. In Houston . District Chief Steven Dunbar filed the federal court action pro se after he was suspended and transferred for a social media post that discouraged certain members of the department from transferring to his district. @ e`ffIc`~TL|-/)cxs. Houston Fire District Chief Mo Davis, left, listens to Troy Blakeney, attorney for Houston Professional Firefighters Association during a news conference announcing that HFD district chiefs are calling for vote of "no confidence" for Chief Samuel Pea on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, in Houston. Home 311 Help & Info Contact Us FAQs Privacy Policy CitizensNet. White has said that, in searching for a new chief, he would have a strong bias toward candidates within the Fire Department. Prior to that, he worked as a business reporter in Albany, New York, and as the managing editor of a group of six newspapers in Illinois. They also point to an unusually high cancer rate for Houston firefighters and apparatus out of service for hours that cause delays and inadequate responses to emergency calls. Troy Blakeney, attorney for the Houston Professional Firefighters Association, stands by waiting to speakduring a news conference announcing that HFD district chiefs are calling for vote of "no confidence" for Chief Samuel Pea on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, in Houston. 1984 Press Photo Members of Houston Opera Studio in costume - hca28828 (#275607134313) . 86-year-old Houston man diagnosed with dementia staving off Alzheimer's with boxing gloves. Houston Fire District Chief Chris Chavez stands by waiting to speak during a news conference announcing that HFD district chiefs are calling for vote of "no confidence" for Chief Samuel Pea on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, in Houston. Tuesday afternoon, Turner said in a statement, "I have every confidence in Chief Sam Pena. Houston Fire Department Staffing applications is used for assigning volunteers to overtime. In other weeks, they would have more time off. Connealy announced his retirement in August. Read More >>>, Admin. He is a 2014 graduate of Eastern Illinois University. 183 0 obj
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Beginning the first full pay period in July 2021, firefighters will receive 6% pay increase, and an additional 6 percent per year in each of the follow two fiscal years. Contact: Fire Chief Jeffrey S. Hevey . Chief Pea has served in the City of Houston Unified Command directing the Houston Fire Department assets during Hurricane Harvey, Tropical Storm Imelda, Tropical Storm Beta, Hurricane Nicholas, Winter Storm Uri, Super Bowl 51, World Series 2017, 2019, 2021, and the Watson Grinding explosion in 2020. At 25%, 11 fire stations, 11 engine companies, four ladder trucks, one rescue company, four paramedic units and one battalion chief would be decommissioned. FOX 26 Reporter Greg Groogan spoke with Firefighter Union President Marty Lancton and a retired Houston Fire Department District Chief about whether the city does have enough first responders to protect its residents. More than 3,000 firefighters made efforts to go to the Association offices to vote on this resolution. Since 1989, he's been unsuccessfully applying for higher-level positions. Unlike all other positions which are posted and assigned to the member with the most seniority requesting it, the District Chief fills . I have extended the union an open door policy and access in hopes of working together to address the challenges of operating a large department. The union has appealed that ruling, which is now before the 14th Court of Appeals. District Chiefs have an Engineer /Operator assigned to them (Incident Command Technician). HOUSTON - Flames, floods, and gunfire. A longtime Houston firefighter will become the Fire Department 's next chief. | FireLawBlog.com & Curt Varone |, Houston Chiefs Prevail in Suit Brought By A District Chief, United-States-Court-of-Appeals-for-the-Fifth-Circuit-St, Demoted Captain Sues CalFire Alleging Disability Discrimination and Retaliation, Catching Up on Past Headlines: San Jose CA and Westfield MA, May 3, 2023 - Advanced Disciplinary Issues: Credibility Determinations, May 11, 2023 - Advanced FLSA: Calculating Regular Rate for Firefighters and other First Responders, May 16-18, 2023 - AManaging Disciplinary Challenges in the Fire Service, Recently Fired Cincinnati Fire Chief Sues City, Mayor and City Manager, Missouri Chief Alleges His Termination Was Retaliation, Truth, lies and deception. "Never in my 41 years of service did I ever dream I would be standing here before you asking for a vote of no confidence," said District Fire Chief Chris Chavez. Chief Pea holds a Bachelors degree in criminal justice and a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Texas at El Paso, and served four years as a command and control specialist in the U.S. Air Force. Here's how to score the best deals on tickets, plus all the free promotions you won't want to miss. Texas manhunt for Francisco Oropesa: Community members on edge following reported sighting in Montgomery Co. WINDOWS SMASHED: Every single car 'maybe 20 or 30 cars' with busted windows on a single Houston street, Shocking details revealed during 'Doomsday mom' Lori Vallow's murder trial: Live updates. 149 0 obj
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"None of us are politicians. Bill King and Dwight Boykins declined comment. Houston Fire Department Capt. In some weeks, firefighters would work extra shifts.
According to the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association, more than 90 HFD district chiefs signed a letter calling for the vote on the fire chief by HPFFA members. The US District Court for the Southern District of Texas dismissed the case, prompting Chief Dunbar to appeal. jhevey@magnoliafire.org. http://www.harriscountytx.gov/itc/gis/ais/DisplayGISData.aspx, Engine, Ladder, Ambulance, District Chief, 2 Engines, Ambulance, Shift Commander, Command Van, District Chief, Engine, Ambulance, Medic, Technical Rescue, 2 Rescue Boats. Not only is he doing a great job for the Houston Fire Department, but he is also doing an excellent job for the City of Houston, Turner said in a Tuesday statement. It is now normal to have apparatus out of service for hours upon hours which results in delays or inadequate responses to emergency calls. And we cant do it if you dont give us the resources we need. University of Houston-Downtown. 1:14. 'The firefighters of Houston have suffered enough:' HFD letter. It goes on, "The firefighters have been without a collective bargaining contract for over two years. Houston's Fire Department is the third-largest in the United States. A Chronicle investigation reveals the extent of the ballot paper shortage in Harris County's November election, including how the shortages could impact the future of Texas' election laws. HFD members currently have the highest rate of active cancer patients that we have ever seen, with no end and no plan in sight. District Chiefs to Give Houston Fire Chief a 'No Confidence' Vote - FirefighterNation: Fire Rescue - Firefighting News and Community "Man, it's not politics," Houston Fire Department. Completion date estimated late 2014 or early 2015. I am pleased that we have been able to move aggressively in the last two years on the following cancer prevention initiatives. Also, morale has been low among firefighters, who have worked without a contract for more than three years, union officials say. HOUSTON (FOX 26) - Houston Firefighters Union membersapproved a "no confidence" measure brought against Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pea. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. Montgomery County Emergency Services District No. All Rights Reserved. GOP leaders say ballot shortage was targeted at Republicans. Houston Fire District Chief Mo Davis, center, is surrounded by fellow fire chiefs following a news conference announcing that HFD district chiefs are calling for vote of "no confidence" for Chief Samuel Pea on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, in Houston. DEER PARK A week after the massive chemical fire that spewed toxic smoke over this Houston suburb had been extinguished in March 2019, Mario Ochoa cradled his 4-year-old son and prayed the . His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. The Houston Fire Department does not provide this information. 1700
"This historic vote reflects the hope of Houston firefighters that our fire department . Funeral Services for Retired Houston Fire Department District Chief Michael Simmons will be held on Thursday, January 13, at the Porter Apostolic Pentecostal Church 24142 Loop 494 Porter, Texas 77366 Visitation 12 - 2 pm Service 2 pm Sign Up Log In Messenger Facebook Lite Watch Places Games We cannot afford to fight each other. Assistant Chief Justin Wells, Resource Management
assistant Chief Michelle McLeod, Emergency Response Exec. We need to promote from within the ranks and work to restore morale within the department." 1 follower Join to view profile Houston Fire Department. Turner appointed Pena to the job. More than 90 HFD district chiefs signed on to the no confidence vote against the chief. For those following the bitterness between firefighters and city hall, the move is not likely a surprise. The facts as explained by the Fifth Circuit: September 17, 2020 District of Houston. The continued strategy to discount and discredit the positive work this administration has done is divisive and unnecessary. On June 30, 2021, Houston City Council voted to approve an Ordinance providing Houston Firefighters with an 18 percent pay raise over 3 fiscal years. I know that at the core of their discontent is the union's inability to negotiate a contract for its members.Our firefighters and the community deserve to have the best equipment and materials we can afford and I stand by our work and the significant progress we've made in the last two years in addressing the state of the fleet, firefighter cancer prevention initiatives, and flood response equipment and training.My focus will remain on working to resolve the challenges we face. More than 90 HFD district chiefs signed on to the no confidence vote against the chief. Houston Fire Department Chief Sam Pena, right, asked Mayor Sylvester Turner to boost the pay of HFD cadets. As a fire chief, I was shocked when I arrived in Houston to realize that our fire stations had zero basic cancer prevention equipment. Samuel Pea is a 28-year veteran of the fire service and has been chief of the Houston Fire Department (HFD) since December 19, 2016. ", "Man, it's not politics," Houston Fire Department District Chief Mo Davis told reporters Tuesday afternoon. Mayor Bill White announce his choice of Phil Boriskie today. He joined the Hearst Austin bureau in 2021 after nearly three years as a City Hall reporter for the Chronicle and a prior stint covering Bexar County for the Express-News. Our fleet has progressively deteriorated and has become increasingly unsafe for our members to operate. ", Some of Mayor Turner's mayoral opponents piled on. They also accused Pea and Turner of having blamed, ridiculed and threatened firefighters over pay issues including Proposition B, the voter-approved city charter amendment to give firefighters equal pay to police officers of the same rank and experience. The fact is that we have accomplished more to improve conditions in just 2-1/2 years since I arrived here than had been done in the last 20 years prior to my arrival.Firefighters, all of us, care about the same things and the facts show we have made great strides in addressing these issues with support from both Mayor Turner and City Council. According to HPFFA, 3,018 Houston firefighters signed the resolution rejecting the leadership of Chief Pea. ", Pena turned down an interview request from ABC13, but told us in a statement he considers it an "honor to lead the Houston Fire Department. Something went wrong. 1 of 2. Davis stood side-by-side with dozens of district chiefs who all said they signed the letter asking for the vote. (CNN) The president of the Houston Professional Fire Fighter Association said Thursday the district fire chief whose station was closest to NRG Park stopped by the venue the morning of. %%EOF
Were the ones that make sure your kids are OK, Mo Davis, a district chief, told reporters at a Tuesday press conference. Houston Fire Department 27 years 1 month District Chief Aug 2017 - Present5 years 9 months Station 78 Senior Captain Nov 2013 - Present9 years 6 months Station 21 Field Training Officer. The mayor separately described the call for a vote of no confidence a political tactic and said he has every confidence in Pea. The City of Houston deserves nothing less than a professional Fire Department ready to preserve the public safety and care for the most vulnerable in our community.". Memberships: International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); IAFC Terrorism and Homeland Security Committee; Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA); National Association of Search and Rescue. Some district fire chiefs are putting their careers on the line to publicly say Fire Chief Sam Pea can no longer be an effective leader. Pea and Turner separately called the criticisms unfair and said the vote was part of a broader political campaign to discredit the citys current leadership. He previously served 3 years 9 months as fire chief in El Paso, Texas. Generator vs power station: Which one is right for you? Members 3. Engine, Ambulance, Ambulance Supervisor, District Chief, Technical Rescue, Technical Rescue Trailer, Utility Trailer, Evacuation Boat, 2 Rescue Boats. To find out if HFD services a particular address and/or the closest HFD station you may email alicia.whitehead@houstontx.gov or view this map >>>, If you reside within Harris County, you may also verify what emergency agencies respond to your address by going to http://www.harriscountytx.gov/itc/gis/ais/DisplayGISData.aspx. District Chief at Houston Fire Department Houston, Texas, United States. Samuel Pena is the fire chief, leading 3,900 uniformed personnel, including 21 district chiefs, 10 EMS supervisors, two shift . Russell Fritsch, Human Resources
Assistant Chief
"When you ride in a fire truck and its 118 degrees, it's not politics.". In a letter to the fire union president released Tuesday, 95 of the department's 105 front line district chiefs are asking to schedule a 'no-confidence' vote in Houston Fire Chief Sam Pena at the union's next meeting. We're firemen.". HOUSTON (FOX 26) - The Firefighters Union is reporting that "more than 90 HFD District Chiefs" are calling for a "no confidence" vote aimed at Houston Fire Department Chief Samuel Pea. Since day one of my appointment, I have extended the union an open door policy and access in hopes of working together to address the challenges of operating a large department. 18215 Buddy Riley Blvd. The dismissal of a lawsuit brought against two ranking chief officers of the Houston Fire Department by a district chief over a social media post has been upheld by the US Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. Assistant Chief Rodney West, Prevention and Homeland Security Exec.