Spokane Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer responded Tuesday to allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and hazing within the department that were exposed recently in a lengthy investigative report.
“We take these allegations very seriously, that’s why we launched a thorough and complete investigative process which has not yet been completed,” he said in a written statement. “As a city, we have taken steps to make sure people have multiple ways to report concerns about work place behavior and are comfortable coming forward with those concerns.”
The details of that 40-page report, completed by the city’s human resources department, were reported by KXLY News. According to the television station, the report reveals accusations of an “unhealthy atmosphere for probationary employees” at the department’s Fire Station 2 at 1001 E. North Foothills Drive near Gonzaga Prep.
Probationary employees are new hires or promoted employees who are still in an evaluation period before their new position is finalized.