An independent investigator has determined that the fire department suffers from a fractured leadership team and perceptions of racism and favoritism that are worsened by the "racial insensitivity" of Chief Thomas Ronalter.
The monthslong review did not document racism in hiring or discipline, but concluded "it is not unreasonable that a minority firefighter could perceive the existence of racial bias." The report by the DCB Law Group and the city's personnel office indicated widespread morale trouble at the department.
"There is a strong and compelling perception amongst the overall membership of the NBFD that the administrative leadership ... is deficient and dysfunctional, mired by a lack of consistent affirmative communication, unfair treatment and favoritism," the report said.