BEN NUCKOLS
Associated Press
WASHINGTON – The D.C. firefighters’ union says it has no confidence in Chief Kenneth Ellerbe to lead the department.
Union leaders say a “no confidence” resolution in Ellerbe was approved Monday by a tally of 300 to 37, or 89 percent in favor.
Union president Ed Smith says Ellerbe’s mismanagement of the fire department fleet has created gaps in coverage that are endangering firefighters and district residents.
Ellerbe has clashed with the union over his proposed major change to firefighters’ work schedules. He says the schedule change is needed to get more firefighters working during the day, when the call volume is higher, especially for medical emergencies. Ellerbe’s supporters say the chief is being vilified for the proposal.
The last time the union voted “no confidence” in a chief was in 2001.
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