Richmond Fire Chief Angel Montoya has been hit with a no confidence vote from the city's firefighters' union. The union, Richmond Firefighters Local 188, has cited Montoya's refusal to address safety issues, unwillingness to meet and confer with members, and his inordinate absences from the City of Richmond, as reasons for their unanimous agreement to the vote, questioning Montoya's ability to lead the Richmond Fire Department, reported KRON4.
The union has accused Montoya of allowing staffing levels to drop to critically low levels, leading to firefighters working up to 480 continuous hours with no time off to rest. Union President Mike Velazquez said, "it's unfortunate that it's come to this," after every effort to meet with Montoya to discuss their concerns was met with refusal, according to a CBS News article. Montoya has called the union's concerns about staffing and mental health programs for firefighters "union propaganda."
The firefighters' union also claims that Montoya's frequent absences from the city have negatively impacted the fire department, with him being absent from a city council budget meeting, an Emergency Operations Center activation, and meetings of the Contra Costa County Executive Fire Chiefs, informed Contra Costa News. Montoya is reportedly spending much of his time at his home in Orange County, leaving the Richmond Fire Department without clear leadership and the community with inadequate resources.
While the union recognizes the support of Mayor Eduardo Martinez and the Richmond City Council, it has not been able to enlist the support of City Manager Shasa Curl, whose office holds administrative power over the fire department. The union met with Curl on two occasions to no avail. The list of complaints against Montoya also includes engaging in unethical behavior, such as lying to city council members, the city manager, and union leadership.
