After the controversial firing of Winnipeg’s Fire Chief, Reid Douglas is speaking out.
He wrote a letter to Winnipeg firefighters, which was posted on the union’s website Friday.
In the letter he says he did not want to leave his job; now some at city hall say his sudden dismissal may not be the last one.
“When our chief has been terminated at the very least we want to know exactly why and what’s going on,” said the Firefighters Union President Alex Forrest, who says he’s received roughly 150 phone calls and emails from concerned firefighters.
But in the letter, Douglas addressed his former colleagues, saying, “I am aware that over the past few weeks you have been living in an environment of uncertainty and extreme anxiety over the situation that is unfolding not only in the media but within the department.”
While Douglas wouldn’t say why he was let go, he acknowledged he had been fired, “what is important to me for you to know is that I did not walk away from you. This was something beyond my control.”
Douglas along with the Chief Administrative Officer, Phil Sheegl came under fire earlier this year over a controversial land swap deal involving three fire halls. Questions were asked about how a new station was built on land the city did not own.
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An audit on the land swap is weeks away from being released, leading some councillors to question the timing of Douglas’ dismissal.
“It’s very coincidental that it’s happening now on the heels of getting this report, so it doesn’t look good,” said Charleswood Councillor Paula Havixbeck.
Some councillors are now asking for the CAO to resign or be fired. At the October 23rd council meeting Councillor Ross Eadie will put that motion forward. If he gets enough votes, Phil Sheegl could be the next to go.
“Confidence has been lost with the CAO and his ability to do the job here at the city and that we should have a vote to have him dismissed,” said Eadie.
Sources say Sheegl asked Douglas to resign weeks ago, but Douglas refused, which led to him getting his pink slip this week.
An Open Letter To the Staff at WFPS
I am aware that over the past few weeks you have been living in an environment of uncertainty and extreme anxiety over the situation that is unfolding not only in the media but within the department. As the scenario has now unfolded to this point you are aware of my departure from WFPS. What is important to me for you to know is that I did not walk away from you. This was something beyond my control.
It is most important also for you to know how very proud I am of each and every one of you. Proud of you for the dedicated and selfless service you provide to the citizens of this great city and for the daily sacrifices you make to ensure the safety and health of our people. Proud of the friendships we have developed and grateful for the invaluable assistance you have provided me over the years. There was never a day that I did not feel humbled to be in your presence and having the privilege to be your Chief.
In countless discussions with many of you, when presented with a situation needing a solution, my advice to you has always been to “Do the Right Thing”. As this scenario unfolds further and the impending Fire Paramedic Station Audit moves on to Council and becomes public record, I assure you I am following my own advice by “Doing the Right Thing”. It is most important that all of Council is first to have the opportunity to review and debate this issue in an unfettered manner.
In the mean time there are still fires to put out, patients to be attended to and people needing help. I hope the public knows that when they dial 911, they are calling on the services of one of the finest Fire and EMS services in the world.
Sincerely,
Reid Douglas
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