by Months after a tragic accident resulted in the death of an Apopka firefighter, a new report details the main health and safety issues at the department. It comes weeks after union members overwhelmingly voted they have “no faith” in their fire chief. Leaders discussed the report at Wednesday’s city council meeting. Fire Chief Sean Wylam presented the report at Wednesday’s meeting, along with his plans for changes. RELATED: ‘My heart is broken’: Apopka firefighter dies after being seriously injured on the job, family says Department’s Health and Safety Practices Among many problems, there were five main concerns that the report sought to change. A history of inadequate safety, health and wellness programs. A young department. Incomplete organizational structure. Lack of strategic planning. A lack of accountability on the part of a change manager was also a key recommendation. Wylam says he wants to lead the change by hiring an assistant chief to help develop a new training program and review key policies and procedures. On Wednesday, he and the mayor received much opposition from Duran’s family. The change was not promising. “Make no mistake, I’m the boss and the buck stops here. No more excuses. We will persevere and move forward,” said Wylam. “We literally put our firefighters on fire,” said Michael Duran, Austin’s father. “Your firefighters came to you and told you they didn’t trust this man.” “We’re just looking at blank words on a page, on a PowerPoint slide,” Commissioner Kyle Beckner said. “Coming back to what a change manager needs to be, you can’t be everything and someone needs to be here to tell you you’re wrong,” Commissioner Nick Nesta said. At the last city council meeting, 85% of the Apopka firefighters’ union did not trust their fire chief. Wylam responded in an email that he promises to improve his communication. He says he will release a strategic plan on April 3. The department plans to create junior firefighter programs that honor the legacy of Austin Duran hours charged with child neglect
Months after a tragic accident resulted in the death of an Apopka firefighter, a new report details the main health and safety issues at the department.
It comes weeks after union members overwhelmingly voted they have “no faith” in their fire chief.
Leaders discussed the report at Wednesday’s city council meeting.
Fire Chief Sean Wylam presented the report at Wednesday’s meeting, along with his plans for amendments.
RELATED: ‘My heart is broken’: Apopka firefighter dies after being seriously injured on the job, family says
As the state fire marshal investigates the tragic accident that resulted in the death of Apopka firefighter Austin Duran last summer, the city hired a consultant to investigate the department’s health and safety practices.
Among many problems, there were five main concerns that the report on the need for change recommended.
- A history of inadequate safety, health and wellness programs.
- A young department
- Incomplete organizational structure
- Lack of strategic planning
- lack of accountability
The appointment of a change manager was also a key recommendation.
Wylam says he wants to drive change by hiring an assistant manager to help develop a new training program and review key policies and procedures.
On Wednesday, he and the mayor faced much opposition from Duran’s family.
Some commissioners expressed that the chief’s change plan was not promising.
“Make no mistake, I’m the boss and the buck stops here. No more excuses. We will persevere and move forward,” said Wylam.
“We literally put our firefighters on fire,” said Michael Duran, Austin’s father. “Your firefighters came to you and told you they didn’t trust this man.”
“We’re just looking at blank words on a page, on a PowerPoint slide,” Commissioner Kyle Beckner said.
“Coming back to what a change manager needs to be, you can’t be everything and someone needs to be here to tell you you’re wrong,” Commissioner Nick Nesta said.
At the last city council meeting, 85% of the Apopka firefighters union voted no confidence in their fire chief.
Wylam responded in an email that he promises to improve his communication.
He says he will release a strategic plan on April 3.
The department plans to create junior firefighter programs that honor Austin Duran’s legacy.
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