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
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.
