equipment issues
Multiple fire engines have reportedly been taken out of service, contributing to frequent delayed response times

Understaffing & unsafe conditions
The department has unfilled firefighter positions, leading to diminished staffing levels that are claimed to jeopardize public safety and firefighter wellbeing

Low confidence among firefighters
A survey of 301 department members revealed 95% supported removing Chief Lahey, citing persistent safety and leadership shortcomings under his decade-long tenure

Allegations of leadership failures
Union leaders contend that Chief Lahey “has demonstrated no respect for the collective bargaining and merit processes” and “blames firefighters for problems he created”

Supporters vs. Administration Response
Firefighters’ union (Local 124): Led by President Jeremy Bush, they’ve launched a petition and public campaign to demand Lahey’s resignation, calling for “leadership that puts public safety first”

Chief Lahey: Pushes back, affirming that public safety isn’t at risk and that structural issues lie within the collective bargaining agreement, not his leadership.

Mayor Sharon Tucker: Acknowledges ongoing tension but considers the problems typical of long-term leadership and believes addressing staffing and contract issues is the solution

The Fort Wayne firefighters’ union argues that Chief Lahey’s leadership has led to deteriorating equipment readiness, risky staffing shortages, and ineffective management—troubles they believe endanger both the public and firefighters. As a result, nearly the entire force has expressed no confidence in him, prompting the union’s push for his resignation. On the other hand, Lahey and city officials maintain the issues are rooted in the firefighter agreement and are underway of being addressed.