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Fire chief, city manager disciplined for ‘objectifying’ spoof video

The fire chief lost eight days of pay after firefighters complained that his video violated policy

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By FireRescue1 Staff

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. — A fire chief and city manager were disciplined following an investigation into a spoof video that allegedly objectified city firefighters.

The Tribune reported that Chief Garrett Olson and City Manager Katie Lichtig received a written reprimand and were fined. Lichtig’s pay was docked $2,659 and Chief Olson’s pay was docked $5,442. Chief Olson is also required to work with the human resources department to “implement a plan to move the fire department forward productively.”

“I offer a sincere apology, and I accept these findings,” Chief Olson said. “I look forward to building positive relationships moving forward.”

The city hired a firm to investigate the incident, which cost the city $70,000.

The city’s firefighter union issued a news release after the video was shown, calling it a “a highly offensive sexual objectification video of city firefighters.”

Five complaints alleged violations of city workplace-related policy related to sexual harassment and conduct unbecoming of city officials, according to the report.