LAFD not a good look…

[River Dirt 2]

LA firefighters union leaders suspended after audit finds $800,000 in undocumented spending

The International Association of Fire Fighters plans to put the local union under a conservatorship to properly manage its finances.

www.pasadenastarnews.com

https://link.latimes.com/click/3964...4YmI5MGNjZg/6529c7cb3ed79c24f881ebd3Bdc503314


LOS ANGELES — Top officials at the Los Angeles firefighters labor union were suspended Monday after an audit conducted by its parent organization found over $800,000 in credit card spending, some of it by the union’s president, could not be accounted for.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, which oversees firefighter unions across the country, wrote in a letter to the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City that it would be placing the union under a conservatorship to properly manage its finances. The union represents more than 3,600 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, according to its LinkedIn.

According to the letter from IAFF President Edward Kelly, the organization voted to suspend union President Freddy Escobar and two other officials who made thousands of credit card transactions with no receipts or other documentation justifying them.

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lafd-union-chief-made-540k-amid-dept-budget-issues-lafd/

The head of the union representing Los Angeles Fire Department employees took home more than half a million dollars last year, a Los Angeles Times investigation found.

In 2022, the most recent year for which records were available, Freddy Escobar had a base salary of more than $184,000, but through overtime, he took in an additional $240,000 in pay and benefits, the Times reports.

Furthermore, in his role as president of the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City, he received almost $116,000 in a union stipend.

All told, that’s about $540,000.

A request for comment from Escobar and the UFLAC was not immediately returned, and Escobar did not respond to the Times’ questions.

The issue of Escobar’s pay comes amid criticism of city leaders from those who claim budget cuts impacted firefighters’ response to the Palisades, Eaton and other fires in January.

 

[MonkeyButt70]

So strange that union leaders can not account for spending. This never happens, Im baffled. (Insert sarcasm face here)

 

[HCP3]

We haven't had a union thread in a while.

 

[socal0487]

LA firefighters union leaders suspended after audit finds $800,000 in undocumented spending

The International Association of Fire Fighters plans to put the local union under a conservatorship to properly manage its finances.

www.pasadenastarnews.com

https://link.latimes.com/click/3964...4YmI5MGNjZg/6529c7cb3ed79c24f881ebd3Bdc503314


LOS ANGELES — Top officials at the Los Angeles firefighters labor union were suspended Monday after an audit conducted by its parent organization found over $800,000 in credit card spending, some of it by the union’s president, could not be accounted for.

The International Association of Fire Fighters, which oversees firefighter unions across the country, wrote in a letter to the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City that it would be placing the union under a conservatorship to properly manage its finances. The union represents more than 3,600 members of the Los Angeles Fire Department, according to its LinkedIn.

According to the letter from IAFF President Edward Kelly, the organization voted to suspend union President Freddy Escobar and two other officials who made thousands of credit card transactions with no receipts or other documentation justifying them.

https://ktla.com/news/local-news/lafd-union-chief-made-540k-amid-dept-budget-issues-lafd/

Wouldn't be surprised if Karen Bass was behind the audit. Perfect timing to take the heat off her.

 

[81Sprint]

We haven't had a union thread in a while.

 

[mbrown2]

This has likely gone on for a while and audits don't come out of thin air....wonder what happened to cause doubt and an audit.

 

[4Waters]

This has likely gone on for a while and audits don't come out of thin air....wonder what happened to cause doubt and an audit.

Post 4

 

[mbrown2]

Post 4

I went and read the article and it gives more depth on how they discovered it. It was a whistle blower..

"The union’s troubles began in October 2024, when an officer flagged concerns about improper record-keeping to the parent organization. An investigation found that then-secretary Adam Walker transferred, without authorization, more than $80,000 from the union’s nonprofit to support firefighters and families directly into his personal bank accounts, according to IAFF."

Looks like this started before Bass caught all the recent heat from the fire mismanagement.

 

[socal0487]

I went and read the article and it gives more depth on how they discovered it. It was a whistle blower..

"The union’s troubles began in October 2024, when an officer flagged concerns about improper record-keeping to the parent organization. An investigation found that then-secretary Adam Walker transferred, without authorization, more than $80,000 from the union’s nonprofit to support firefighters and families directly into his personal bank accounts, according to IAFF."

Looks like this started before Bass caught all the recent heat from the fire mismanagement.

Not necessarily since last fiscal year Bass cut the FF budget and Escobar was very outspoken about it. Along with Crowley and we know what happened to her.

 

[boatpi]

This looks bad, dope.

 

[zhandfull]

Going through an audit should not be an issue for the department or the union. There are some serious issues if nearly a million dollars ($800,000) can’t be accounted for.

 

[rivermobster]

Is ANYONE surprised by this?

 

[4Waters]

Is ANYONE surprised by this?

Since union leaders are usually democrats.... nope

 

[BingerFang]

Paging Doctor Faggot!!!!!

 

[PRIMO]

LAFD Membership is Clearing Out its Ranks Starting at the Top...... Crowley now Freddy !
IAFF will do the Fumigating / DEI is pretty much extinct / If you cannot Throw a 35 Foot Wood Ladder , Don't Bother Applying !

 

[monkeyswrench]

I'm thinking if you have access to millions, a salary of 180k+ and more than that in bennys and OT atop that, you shouldn't go by "Freddy". Fred, possibly Fredrick? "Freddy Escobar" sounds like Pablo's less fortunate brother slinging pizzas.

 

[DRYHEAT]

I just can’t help but stir the pot a bit. i’ll probably go to hell for this. An oldie, but a goodie.

 

[2Driver]

I must be in the dark, how does a Union President get overtime pay wtf?

 

[FlyByWire]

I just can’t help but stir the pot a bit. i’ll probably go to hell for this. An oldie, but a goodie.

“You have got to be fucking kidding me”

“We call it ‘dozing for dollars’”

“Plus, my knee hurts..”

“Yes, but I’m hero”

 

[DRYHEAT]

I must be in the dark, how does a Union President get overtime pay wtf?

Lots of cocktail parties!

 

[mbrown2]

I must be in the dark, how does a Union President get overtime pay wtf?

Assuming he is a working fire dept employee but that is just a guess on my part.

 

[2Driver]

Assuming he is a working fire dept employee but that is just a guess on my part.

So even executive management is hourly then. Hey and lets not forget the payout on 30 years of accumulated sick time not used. $$

 

[Todd Mohr]

Fire guys have it made for sure, great gig.

 

[mbrown2]

Wonder when they will get to examining the disability cases during retirement. Not sure if all depts are the same and obviously there are valid and questionable cases... but LACO it seems a good pecentage probably above 80% in their last year before retirement go on injury and file suit for disability and after the complete collusion job between lawyers from both sides, drs for plaintiff and department evaluate and charge the department, most every case comes back as disabled and portion up to 50% of retirement is tax free. I know many that benefit from this and good for them; but it just seems odd such a high % of disability claims go unchecked and everyone makes money off the litigation process. For those disabled they deserve it; just seems like a high percentage. Also seems like it is the playbook for all workers of all levels from Firefighters to Battallion Chiefs..

 

[mbrown2]

So even executive management is hourly then. Hey and lets not forget the payout on 30 years of accumulated sick time not used. $$

Just cause he is a union boss does not make him management. Also; even Battallion chiefs are getting overtime from last understanding..

 

[oldman]

LAFD Membership is Clearing Out its Ranks Starting at he Top...... Crowley now Freddy !
IAFF will do the Fumigating / DEI is pretty much extinct / If you cannot Throw a 35 Foot Wood Ladder , Don't Bother Applying !

So back to guys that can do the job might start getting jobs again?

 

[NicPaus]

I would of been a Firefighter, problem was I wasn't born black. So there was no possibility of getting in back then. My youngest cousin managed to get his white ass in. And now I see a lot of young white guys getting hired.

 

[oldman]

I would of been a Firefighter, problem was I wasn't born black. So there was no possibility of getting in back then. My youngest cousin managed to get his white ass in. And now I see a lot of young white guys getting hired.

Same here, as a white kid in the 80's I was advised not to waste my time. I didn't fit the profile.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I'm a half breed mesican...so instead of a ladder truck, I got a ladder rack on a truck

Now, the kickass retirement they get, I'm ok with that. The disability bonus in addition to it? Well, better be a good one. If you're crippled up, better not see pics of barefootin' or snowboarding. At least have the class to hide it

 

[HTTP404]

I thought firefighters are beyond reproach? Hero's, every last one of them.

'Fast' Freddy Escobar says:
“I’m going to defend myself because I have nothing to hide and I have always worked for the benefit of our membership for the greater good,” the post said. “These false allegations are disgusting and politically motivated by those who want to attack the union and me personally and I’m going to clear my name.”

 

[Todd Mohr]

I would of been a Firefighter, problem was I wasn't born black. So there was no possibility of getting in back then. My youngest cousin managed to get his white ass in. And now I see a lot of young white guys getting hired.

Same thing as me, lost interest after my 1st hiring session kicking ass and all over the loudspeaker just hearing "if you are a minority don't worry about you scores" I should of went to the next hiring session as my scores were still on file. Big mistake on my part but my heart was not in it anymore after being shit on.

 

[FlyByWire]

Wonder when they will get to examining the disability cases during retirement. Not sure if all depts are the same and obviously there are valid and questionable cases... but LACO it seems a good pecentage probably above 80% in their last year before retirement go on injury and file suit for disability and after the complete collusion job between lawyers from both sides, drs for plaintiff and department evaluate and charge the department, most every case comes back as disabled and portion up to 50% of retirement is tax free. I know many that benefit from this and good for them; but it just seems odd such a high % of disability claims go unchecked and everyone makes money off the litigation process. For those disabled they deserve it; just seems like a high percentage. Also seems like it is the playbook for all workers of all levels from Firefighters to Battallion Chiefs..

This is huge on the fire side. Every hose dragger I personally know has gotten some % of medical retirement.

They also all happen to be a little physically fucked up from their careers.

 

[Aces & Eights]

This is huge on the fire side. Every hose dragger I personally know has gotten some % of medical retirement.

They also all happen to be a little physically fucked up from their careers.

I used to be in a poker group that had a guy who recently got a medical pension from the fire dept, he looked to be fine to me at the time, I thought that’s a good scam because medical pensions are not taxed. Fast forward about 10 years, I saw him at CVS barely getting around with a cane. Fucked up neck, back and knees from the wear and tear over the years caught up with him.

 

[NicPaus]

My Grandpa was known as "Mr Fire Department " his Dad helped start LA city Fire. He died young from all the inhalation he got on the job. It was tough watching it take him out as my Mom cared for Him in his final years. One of his Brothers was killed in the line of duty. His other 2 Brothers retired and lived Good. One of them served as long as he could and I think was 2nd Longest working career if you search Larry Schneider he has a big History with the Northridge quake.

 

[FlyByWire]

I used to be in a poker group that had a guy who recently got a medical pension from the fire dept, he looked to be fine to me at the time, I thought that’s a good scam because medical pensions are not taxed. Fast forward about 10 years, I saw him at CVS barely getting around with a cane. Fucked up neck, back and knees from the wear and tear over the years caught up with him.

And the list of cancers and other illnesses that are presumptive from the job, is a mile long. They are on our side as well.

 

[oldman]

Same thing as me, lost interest after my 1st hiring session kicking ass and all over the loudspeaker just hearing "if you are a minority don't worry about you scores" I should of went to the next hiring session as my scores were still on file. Big mistake on my part but my heart was not in it anymore after being shit on.

I was 18 and went to what seemed like a cattle call, I did well, but didn't have any of the not required but required fire classes and never got past that.

I went into linework and never looked back. Probably made more money than fighting fires, but also took more physical abuse.

 

[foxfam312]

As we all know, nothing is going to be done, I mean Nothing, no one will go to jail, it will be brushed under the rug

 

[mbrown2]

They also all happen to be a little physically fucked up from their careers.

Definitely a tough gig and they don't have a long life expectancy and such I think many are deserving of disability. Its just the high numbers and percentage of retirees; seems the department would look into it if not for fraud to try and change things so these folks can retire in better shape.

 

[zhandfull]

Yeah I don’t know.
I see the fireman washing trucks and exercising a lot. I’m not sure if their bodies are abused more than a lot of construction trades. Roofers, Masons, and Laborers are just a few that come to mind. That’s real body abuse

 

[Todd Mohr]

Yeah I don’t know.
I see the fireman washing trucks and exercising a lot. I’m not sure if their bodies are abused more than a lot of construction trades. Roofers, Masons, and Laborers are just a few that come to mind. That’s real body abuse

Or a guy who raced dirtbikes, skied, played hard. If you are in your 50's and nothing hurts you lived like a pussy your whole life. JMO

 

[regor]

I just can’t help but stir the pot a bit. i’ll probably go to hell for this. An oldie, but a goodie.

Ahhhh yes, the good old days of hose dragger bashing!!!

I’ll say this, they’ve been earning their money since those classic videos were posted by our resident terrorist. The homeless keep em busy!!!

 

[monkeyswrench]

Yea, h I don’t know.
I see the fireman washing trucks and exercising a lot. I’m not sure if their bodies are abused more than a lot of construction trades. Roofers, Masons, and Laborers are just a few that come to mind. That’s real body abuse

As a former roofer, with 20+ years of river and off roading, I can assure you that statement starts a shitshow

 

[4Waters]

Yeah I don’t know.
I see the fireman washing trucks and exercising a lot. I’m not sure if their bodies are abused more than a lot of construction trades. Roofers, Masons, and Laborers are just a few that come to mind. That’s real body abuse

I get what you are saying but you aren't factoring in the hours and the fatigue that comes with it or the weight of the turnouts, SCBA, axe, manhandling a hose that's trying to get away from you or the tools used in roof operations. Now you were at work and got recalled for the following day and you are back on your regular shift the day after your recall, you are working at LAFD station 3, 57, 89 or 94 (some of the busiest stations in the city) on your 3rd day at 1am with maybe 6hrs of broken sleep in the last 65hrs and you pop a rippin structure fire, you are dealing with all that gear while your body is absolutely trashed from lack of sleep. That's how their bodies end up destroyed and wore out. It can be one of the most physically brutal jobs out there.

 

[socal0487]

.

 

[monkeyswrench]

I get what you are saying but you aren't factoring in the hours and the fatigue that comes with it or the weight of the turnouts, SCBA, axe, manhandling a hose that's trying to get away from you or the tools used in roof operations. Now you were at work and got recalled for the following day and you are back on your regular shift the day after your recall, you are working at LAFD station 3, 57, 89 or 94 (some of the busiest stations in the city) on your 3rd day at 1am with maybe 6hrs of broken sleep in the last 65hrs and you pop a rippin structure fire, you are dealing with all that gear while your body is absolutely trashed from lack of sleep. That's how their bodies end up destroyed and wore out. It can be one of the most physically brutal jobs out there.

I do agree with the sleep part, the fire burning part and the like, but I've also been witness to a hosedragger helping out his father on a hot job. Sweaty, smelly, ball busting work. SBA's?? Hell, we don't need air Come burrito time, about noon, poor guy was hacking up a lung and cramping up...we thought we'd have to call the medics for him.

All physical type jobs take their toll. The human body is pretty much a consumable device, some parts fail before others, maybe some replacement or repair, but in the end we all go to the wrecker. I was always tought to look at how many of any profession that you can say, "that old guy over there, he's a retired ______"

If you can talk to a guy who's been retired for 30 years from your chosen profession, you've chosen well

 

[Boat 405]

Is anyone really surprised? You won't be surprised of what you find if you keep digging, at least I'm not. I think we all figured that many of these heads of leadership types were literally stealing money and pissing it away

 

[mbrown2]

If you can talk to a guy who's been retired for 30 years from your chosen profession, you've chosen well

I sort wish that someone had taught me that sort of logic early on.... I am not complaining about my career at all.... but to see someone who retires and can enjoy life for 30yrs....I am always very happy for those folks.... they either chose the right career, saved well, or more often then not inherited it...

 

[DRYHEAT]

I do agree with the sleep part, the fire burning part and the like, but I've also been witness to a hosedragger helping out his father on a hot job. Sweaty, smelly, ball busting work. SBA's?? Hell, we don't need air Come burrito time, about noon, poor guy was hacking up a lung and cramping up...we thought we'd have to call the medics for him.

All physical type jobs take their toll. The human body is pretty much a consumable device, some parts fail before others, maybe some replacement or repair, but in the end we all go to the wrecker. I was always tought to look at how many of any profession that you can say, "that old guy over there, he's a retired ______"

If you can talk to a guy who's been retired for 30 years from your chosen profession, you've chosen well

Dare I say it? Shift work doesn’t have to be 24 hours. let the flaming begin

 

[Todd Mohr]

I sort wish that someone had taught me that sort of logic early on.... I am not complaining about my career at all.... but to see someone who retires and can enjoy life for 30yrs....I am always very happy for those folks.... they either chose the right career, saved well, or more often then not inherited it...

I have a couple of cop buddies been retired for almost 15 years, they are enjoying life with no heath issues.

 

[4Waters]

Dare I say it? Shift work doesn’t have to be 24 hours. let the flaming begin

3rd watch sucks. Most FF's in departments that run 3 shifts shift trade so they work 24hr shifts