Dear Subscribers,
In an effort to bring you information about the state of affairs at our MB fire department, we have published 4 letters last week covering the topic from a variety of angles. We hope those letters have been informative.
Today we are publishing a collective Statement from the MB Firefighters as a whole.
Following their Statement is an excerpt from City Council and a link to the website to view their multiple Statements.
We encourage you to read both sides of the issue.
We also welcome your opinions, comments, and feedback: MBStrong2021@gmail.com
~MBStrong
Statement by the Manhattan Beach Fire Department
Dear MB Residents,
The Manhattan Beach Firefighters have been without leadership and direction since 2017. Firefighters have always been committed to working hard and doing all they can do to deliver excellent service in our city. We’ve been good stewards of public resources and friends of the community both on and off duty.
The MB Firefighters have tried for years now to mend our relationship with city officials behind closed doors only to find a lack of trust and actions of what feels like retaliation.
A lot has happened since 2017, too much to share in one article, but the firefighters feel that the narrative the current City Council has received and is sharing with the public is not factual, misleading, and is having negative impacts on the Manhattan Beach Fire Department.
It is important to share some history to understand why we are where we are today.
In 2017 firefighters delivered a formal letter of public safety concerns surrounding the dangerous leadership and mismanagement of MBFD Fire Chief Espinosa.
Ignoring our concerns, the newly hired City Manager, Bruce Moe asked his friend Espinosa to remain as Fire Chief even though his retirement had already been announced. This slap in the face to public safety and Manhattan Beach Firefighters’ concerns set the tone for what has followed.
Since 2017, MB Firefighters have had:
Three city actions have resulted in unfair labor practice complaints being filed.
A revolving door of Fire Chiefs and the hiring of multiple outside Battalion Chiefs.
City officials accused one of those Fire Chiefs of being “overly loyal to the fire union.” This Fire Chief is currently in litigation with the city and City Manager regarding his termination.
No Battalion Chiefs for close to a year and MB Firefighters had to fill all 3 Battalion Chief positions while continuing to cover their normal shifts.
Days where no Battalion Chief was on duty in the City of Manhattan Beach.
Three MB Fire Captains ranked highly on the Battalion Chief exam, only to have the City make it a pay cut one month later for these Fire Captains to promote to Battalion Chief, eliminating the possibility for MB Firefighters to move into management positions.
Vacancies in the fire department, some lasting close to 2 years, cause firefighters to backfill these positions and work excessive hours.
Our compensation was criticized by city officials for a large amount of overtime we have had to work due to the incompetency of the city.
Accusations by the City against MB Firefighters claiming that we’re trying to create our own overtime when in reality we’re simply fighting to ensure that there are enough firefighters on duty to respond to 911 calls.
An outdated, inefficient 911-dispatching and mapping system that was supposed to be replaced in September 2017 and is still being used today.
The threat of the Los Angeles County Fire Department taking over service in Manhattan Beach.
A vacant emergency preparedness coordinator position throughout a pandemic.
Low morale and firefighters seeking treatment for mental health assistance due to added stress from management decisions.
Firefighters have left to go to other fire departments, a first in MBFD.
Contentious labor negotiations have lasted for years with proposed cuts to personnel, time-off, and compensation.
The City is attempting to focus the community’s attention on the contract negotiations between the City and the MB Firefighters, however, this is simply a symptom of the mismanagement the Firefighters have dealt with since 2017.
The Manhattan Beach Firefighters want to see the Manhattan Beach Fire Department thrive. We have continually asked City Officials for 3 things - leadership, succession planning opportunities, and to be treated fairly.
We do not want to be in a dispute with the City. We want to put all of our focus on what we do best and that is to provide exceptional service to the community.
Unfortunately, the lack of support from the City in the last 5 years has made that mission increasingly more difficult.
We currently have a Fire Chief that wants to move our fire department forward but the City Council has asked for little to no input on decisions affecting the operations and service the fire department provides.
With City Officials not listening to the firefighters or the Fire Chief, we have no option but to call on the community of people that we serve.
We want to thank the community for their support. You, your family, and our community’s safety are the reason we do this job. Just as you call us in your time of need, we are now asking for your help. We are asking that you contact the City Council and share your concerns https://www.manhattanbeach.gov/government/city-council.
Please visit manhattanbeachfirefighters.org (video included) for more information on how you can help.
Thank you,
Your MB Firefighters
City Council has posted several Statements on the city website. An excerpt is below.
To read the full Statement by City Council, click here.
“Recently, the MB Fire Association has disseminated communications stating that the City Council has made misleading statements regarding the ongoing labor negotiations with MBFA. Meanwhile, the MBFA continues a widespread marketing campaign that includes misinformation alleging Fire Department mismanagement and a threat to Manhattan Beach fire services staying local.” -Excerpt from MB City Council Statement.
Attend the City Council meeting on July 19th and give a 2 min. public comment stating your expectations for your fire department.
What say you?
Email us your letters and comments: MBStrong2021@gmail.com.
Information about running for public office in the November 8, 2022 election:
Residents who desire to serve our city in an elected position can contact the MB City Clerk’s office at mbvote@manhattanbeach.gov for more information.
OR call (310) 802-5056 Monday-Thursday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
The dates to complete the forms are from July 18, 2022, to August 12, 2022.
Information can be found on the MB city website [HERE].
About MBStrong…
We are MB residents bringing common sense, not politics, to the conversation.
