SUNDRE — Allegations of harassment may have contributed to the surprise shake-up that rocked the local fire department to its core following the sudden departure of former Chief Marty Butts early last week.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) spokesperson Trent Bancarz confirmed on Aug. 20 that the fire department was previously ordered to undergo violence and harassment training.
In a written response to questions, the Alberta Labour and Immigration communications advisor said OHS received a harassment-related complaint in December 2019.
An order requiring the department’s members be trained in violence and harassment awareness and prevention was subsequently issued this January, Bancarz said.
“The fire department complied with the order in March.”
In a follow-up phone interview, Bancarz said he did not know whether the complaint had been levelled against a particular person, or the entire department generally.
“There was an investigation of the complaint. Out of that investigation, we wrote an order to require training,” he said, adding, “They (the fire department) complied with the order.”
Bancarz could not provide specific details pertaining to the complaint, adding, “We normally don’t release that.”
A complainant, who reached out to The Albertan, said at the time of the complaint, they had been a volunteer firefighter with the Sundre Fire Department for seven years.
While the firefighter alleged harassment in complaints made, at no time was there ever violence, they confirmed.
As a result of harassment and intimidation against the firefighter on social media platforms, The Albertan has agreed to protect the individual’s identity.
The complainant said that last November, they were called into the chief’s office during a weekly training night and placed on a six-month suspension.
The firefighter alleges no department or performance issues were given as a reason for the suspension but claims it was their personal life that came under attack.
Because “I had had this type of disturbing encounter a number of times before, I recorded the entire meeting for my own protection and unbiased witness,” the firefighter said.
Due to legal considerations with regards to an unfolding matter, they could not immediately provide a transcript of the audio recording.
The complainant said other members of the fire department as well as the community approached the chief administrative officer to report conduct issues of concern, as well as other fire department-related issues.
The firefighter has also filed a complaint about the former chief with the Alberta Human Rights Commission.
“That resolution process is still currently underway,” the firefighter said.
A spokesperson with the Alberta Human Rights Commission could not comment on the matter.
Nine months spanned from the time the original complaint was brought before town officials to the former chief’s departure last Monday.
Neither the former chief nor municipal officials could discuss details of the reasons for the chief’s departure, or whether it was the chief’s decision to terminate the employment relationship.
The complainant said all they ever wanted to do was fight fires and protect the community.
Despite a public outcry in support of the former chief, local officials say Butts will not be reinstated.
Remaining members of the Sundre Fire Department met on Aug. 21 and appointed an acting chief who by this morning had not yet officially been named.
“Our 12 members are all trained up to date to Sundre fire standards. We do have pump operators and drivers amongst our members. We are a completely functional department at this time,” reads a statement from the department.
