CINCINNATI — City manager Sheryl Long informed Cincinnati Fire Department Chief Michael Washington that he was fired Friday.
A formal termination process is underway.
“I want to be clear that I do not tolerate discriminatory, hostile, or unfair working environments in any city department,” said Long. “Cincinnatians place their trust in the Fire Department, which is tasked with keeping all of us safe. If the workplace culture within the department is unhealthy, that’s a violation of the community’s trust.”
Long cited a “concerning workplace culture that is unwelcome towards women,” according to a news release. The city’s administration and the department are seeking a long-term, sustainable workplace culture change and Long does not believe Washington can implement or oversee the change.
Steven Breitfelder, Assistant Fire Chief over the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Operations Division, was named interim chief and took on the role immediately. The city manager’s office will hire a third-party firm to conduct a nationwide search for the next chief.
Breitfelder will have staff meetings to discuss issues and set expectations and will address the Public Safety and Governance Committee of Cincinnati City Council.
“Every employee deserves a safe and fair workplace, and we have to unequivocally reject and rectify violations of that environment,” said Mayor Aftab Pureval. “I fully support City Manager Long’s decision, and we will continue to support her during our work to make CFD a healthy and welcoming place for women.”
The city released a compilation of causes for Washington’s termination, including failure to conduct a climate assessment of the fire department. According to the letter sent to Washington there, “continued blaming of subordinate staff for issues raised have led to the perception that (Washington) does not take workplace concerns seriously,” according to a news release.
An assessment was never conducted.
Throughout Washington’s time as chief, multiple female fire department employees voiced concerns about a workplace culture that allows women to be treated unfairly and with disrespect.
Long said she invited the social services organization Women Helping Women in to train the staff, but both the organization and the city administration were unsatisfied with Washington’s implementation of the first phase of the training and his lack of concern about workplace issues related to women.
Another cause for Washington’s termination included an unexcused unavailability during a major apartment fire on Feb. 20, 2022, where citizens and employees were injured.
For a full list of the causes, click here.
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