Fire Unions, City Manager to Meet in Labor Conference in Closed Session Before NAACP Rallies for ‘Reassigned’ Fire Chief

Days after City Manager Steve Mermell reassigned Fire Chief Bertral Washington to the City Manager’s office, the NAACP will speak out at Monday’s City Council meeting.

But before that, Mermell will meet with the fire unions in negotiating sessions in closed session.

According to the City Council agenda Mermell will meet with leadership from the Pasadena Firefighters Association (PFFA) and the Pasadena Fire Management Association (PFMA) at 5:30 p.m. about an hour before the open portion of the City Council meeting begins.

On Wednesday, Mermell announced Washington “will be working with the City Management team and me to implement projects related to public safety including the City’s Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) program.”

Pasadena Public Information Officer Lisa Derderian said the closed session meeting is not connected to Washington’s reassignment.
“I’s a labor negotiation,” Derderian said. “It’s been on the agenda for some time.”

Deputy Chief Bryan Frieders was named Acting Fire Chief.

When contacted by Pasadena Now, PFFA Local 809 president Sean Timoney expressed Frieders but did not mention Washington.

Washington would not respond when contacted by Pasadena Now.

“We are confident in Chief Frieders’ leadership and his ability to carry out the Fire Department’s Mission,” said Sean Timoney, president of PFFA Local 809. “The community is in good hands and Pasadena Firefighters Local 809 looks forward to our continued collaboration during Chief Frieders time as Acting Fire Chief.”

Washington and the union feuded for several years.

In a written statement, NAACP Pasadena Branch President Allen Edson said.

Washington’s reassignment was due to outside pressure from the association. According to the NAACP, Washington was placed on administrative leave, one day after Martin Luther King day.

City officials have not confirmed that Washington was placed on administrative leave, but during that week reporters with Pasadena Now were told “Washington is not in the office this week,” when they inquired about his status.

“In the past five years, the City of Pasadena has seen a decline in key city positions that were once held by African-Americans. This has called into question the reality of inclusive and equitable betterment for all in this very diverse community of the City of Pasadena,” Edson said.