By FireRescue1 Staff
FAIRFAX, Va. — Nearly a year after the death of firefighter-paramedic Nicole Mittendorff, a report regarding harassment and bullying within the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department was published this week.
Mittendorff died by suicide April 2016; many officials allege Mittendorff was the victim of bullying and harassment within the department. Following her death, investigators found several sexist comments online about Mittendorff and other female firefighters, reported WJLA.
The report, concluded by a management consultant group, found that bullying and harassment were evident within the department. It also discussed concerns regarding senior level leadership and conflict management.
An online survey was distributed to department personnel via email over a three-week period; it had a 62 percent response rate. Over 60 one-on-one interviews were conducted and 33 members were included in the focus group.
Read the full report below.