The following is an excerpt of the letter sent to the Aptos/La Selva Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors President Bob Spisak. A PDF of the full letter can be downloaded by clicking on the graphic below.
Dear President Spisak and Honorable Board Members:
We have not taken this action lightly. In fact it is our understanding that in the proud 87-year history of the Aptos/La Selva Fire District, a vote of no confidence has never been taken regarding a Fire Chief.
This decision was made by every single Firefighter in our district. Our Fire District is at a crossroads and we felt compelled to take this action because it is our fundamental belief that without a change in leadership, our once proud Aptos/La Selva Fire District will continue to decline and public safety will be put at risk for local residents.
*******
Unfortunately, after nearly three years of failed leadership, a complete lack of communication, the inability to compromise, and the absence of a strategic plan for our future, we have come to the firm conclusion that the only way to save our Fire District is to change the leadership with a new Chief.
It is important to emphasize that this decision is NOT based on the pay or benefits of our Firefighters. Quite frankly this decision is not about us – it’s about the community that we serve and the people of our Fire District who we have a dedicated our professional lives to.
*******
Our fire district has a long history of being guided by outstanding, visionary leaders who have been focused on the community that we serve. These leaders had the ability and interpersonal skills to develop short and long-term goals, effectively communicate them to our organization, and empower the men and women of our District. Under their leadership, our service delivery blossomed to include surf rescue teams, cutting edge advancements in the delivery of Emergency Medical Services (EMS), modernized fire suppression, advanced rescue services, and an enhanced fire prevention program. We stayed true to our mission and we were seen as leaders in the County and State of California with our excellent service delivery.
It is truly tragic that they gains that were made after decades of effective leadership have been reversed over the past three years during Chief Jones tenure as our Fire Chief. Our current lack of leadership, vision, and communication has weakened our organization, diminished our morale, and most importantly, it has impaired our ability to serve the public.
Our Fire Prevention Bureau has been decimated and it is now being outsourced. Our busiest fire engine is frequently taken out of service – even as our car call load has increased exponentially, thereby diminishing our ability to provide quality service. Community assets, such as our well-regarded car seat program for expecting families, have been shutdown. Our Fire Investigation program has also been unfunded and is no longer in operation as our Fire District has become increasingly disconnected from the communities that we serve.
Internally our Firefighters’ morale has never been lower. Chief Jones’ management style has alienated our division Chiefs and Firefighters alike resulting in an organization that is in disarray without direction. The threat of discipline is frequently used as a tool for intimidation and retaliation. Lawsuits are now a regular part of our District as the Firefighter Bill of Rights and labor standards are consistently violated.
*******
Now, for the first time in our history, members of our organization are looking to leave because of the dysfunction, poor working environment, low morale, and fundamental lack of trust in our administration.
Our firefighters have taken a sworn oath to protect our communities – the communities we live in and have dedicated our careers to. Every single member of our District has done everything possible to work with Chief Jones for the benefit of our residents. After nearly three years of failed leadership and poor results, we have come to the anonymous conclusion that this assignment has simply been a poor fit for Chief Jones and our Fire District. A change is desperately required.
For the benefit of the Aptos/La Selva Fire District and the future of emergency services in Santa Cruz County, the undersigned Firefighters stand unanimous in our firm belief that we no longer have confidence in the leadership of Fire Chief Jon Jones.
As Chief Jones is finishing the third and final year of this contract with the Aptos/La Selva Fire District, we realize that he will likely be requesting a two-year extension of his contract. We implore you to deny such a request.