Cedar's Take: The old saying where there's smoke there's fire is pretty common. But Charlotte City Manager Ron Carlee continues his mantra of denial. Understandably when you tell someone their house is on fire there is a brief period of disbelief, but sooner or later reality sets in. Mr Carlee it's time.
A meme was posted on Dulin's Facebook account that many deemed offensive to the LGBTQ community.
Dulin is also under fire after a city-wide audit revealed he was one of 37 city employees whose expenses and reimbursements were reviewed. The audit found that Dulin had taken reimbursements that he should not have.
A statement from the city said:
“The Charlotte Fire Department is committed to ensuring it's accounting practices are clear and accurate, and conducted its own review before the City's internal audit. During that internal review, the fire department discovered the first item listed in today's audit report, which included reimbursement for airfare, hotel and baggage fees totaling nearly $1,600. Chief Dulin immediately reimbursed the city.
“The item regarding the $666.56 advancement was not discovered during the fire department's review because that was funded through the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. However, as soon as that was noted, Chief Dulin repaid it.
The examination of Dulin's social media post is what has him on leave, however. According to the city, the Department immediately looks into all concerns that are brought to its attention.
A second statement issued read:
“Each fire department employee deserves to have issues raised about their performance thoroughly investigated. That is true whether it is a personal or professional matter, and whether an employee is in a leadership position or not.
Deputy Chief Jeff Dulin has been placed on administrative leave, starting today, while the department investigates the concerns about posts on his personal social media account.”
Dulin also issued a statement apologizing for the material posted to his social media account and asking for the community's forgiveness. That statement reads:
“I first want to apologize if anything that was shared on my social media account caused hurt feelings for or offended anyone, whether in the LGBTQ community or the community at large. While I did not create the picture that was widely circulated on the “Internet and Facebook, it was posted to my account. I take full responsibility for the lapse in judgment and am truly sorry for that.
“I want everyone to know that I am by no means a person who holds any prejudicial feelings toward any member of our community. This is incredibly personal to me, and while I will not go into details, I want to assure everyone that I respect people of all backgrounds and sexual preference.
“My life for the past 32 years has been dedicated to the Charlotte Fire Department, which means I have dedicated 32 years of my life to equally serving and protecting the citizens of Charlotte – all the citizens of Charlotte. I hope those decades of service are a more accurate reflection of my character than this one brief lapse.”
24 comments:
Question? Why is Wilkinson and the HR person not on at least "admin leave"? Heck they dont even have to investigate their violations.
paid admin leave.
from the NC constitution.
Sec. 14. Freedom of speech and press.
Freedom of speech and of the press are two of the great bulwarks of liberty and therefore
shall never be restrained, but every person shall be held responsible for their abuse.
What exactly determines abuse of freedom of speech?
It seems conflicting.
Way to go Ron and Jon...... its like the old song STAND BY YOUR MAN, NUFF SAID
32 years..... If Dulin is as smart as I think he is then he should be at HR right about now getting his retirement paperwork in order. He has done some great work over the years but time to move on. These incidents have left to much stink on him...
Well as a gay man, seeing a father hurt his son is heartbreaking. I'm so offended by this whole thing, its shameful. I hope Mr Dulin gets help and can mend the hurt he has caused.
How could he post that knowing the city council would be voting on the very topic of transgender. How as a community leader in public safety call me out as a FRUIT. Yes as a gay man I can say that.
Sad gray day out, reflects the cloud hanging over Charlotte
The posts by both Eschert and Dulin were equally offensive, albeit targeted against different sectors of the community. Each of these public service employees have caused, by their in appropriate postings, a portion of the community they are meant to serve to potentially call into question whether they will be impartial and non-discriminatory in carrying out their duties.
Firing both individuals is, assuming they have otherwise good records, in my opinion too severe a penalty. It has been suggested that unpaid suspension time, a public apology and attendance at "sensitivity training" would be appropriate --- and I agree.
Mr. Dulin has already issued a public statement accepting full responsibility for his inappropriate action and offering an apology. Assuming, after any other CFD-determined penalty (e.g. unpaid suspension time) is levied, he is permitted to keep his position--- Then Mrs. Eschert should be afforded the same opportunity. That is, to "publicly" accept full responsibility and offer apology for her inappropriate posting ---and take any other CFD-determined penalty (e.g. unpaid suspension time)---- at which point she should be reinstated to her prior position.
I think it is a safe assumption that the city will be signing a very large check made payable to Ms. Eschert in the near future...
Anyone who knows Jeff Dulin can clearly see he didn't write that apology. The press writers and PR folks made him look really good. The Newell VFD regime has got to go.
1:17 grow a pair... If you're offended by a pic of Bruce Jenner on a Fruit Loops box then you should probably never leave your house, turn on your computer, or have any contact with the outside world. That's one of the main things wrong with today is that everybody is always "offended".
I have several thoughts on this whole ordeal. The first being: the City of Charlotte Social Media Policy as it currently stands is overly broad; the section regarding personal use is highly subjective. What one person deems offensive or unbecoming, may not be considered as such by another – and vice versa. The policy seems to make a point that questionable online content would have to reflect poorly on the City, in order to fall into disciplinary action. It could be argued that neither Crystal’s nor Jeff’s posts did that -- prior to the incidents hitting the news media.
Am I the only person who was under a rock and unaware the policy even existed until Crystal’s termination? Fully transparent communication is something lacking within the City organization – in addition to poorly written and mismanaged policies.
It is also fascinating that disciplinary action is not specified in the policy or procedures to indicate appropriate corrective action or define different levels or classifications of offenses. (Sidebar: let’s talk soon about the disciplinary action that is specifically outlined in the soon-to-be-released Tobacco policy update.) Secondly, I find it ironic that if not for these stories making it on the news - I myself (as many, most likely) would not have any clue as to what these two particular City workers were posting online and therefore wouldn’t have an opportunity to be offended. These two cases seem to imply that the general public would somehow know that any given social media post "belongs" to a City employee as opposed to just being a regular John Doe citizen. Which came first, the Chicken or the Egg?
Furthermore, I want to know who the hell has so much time that, in the name of The City, Facebook is now being patrolled. Digging up dirt on Facebook is no better use of City time than the 2 guys caught playing hooky in the CMUD, err Charlotte Water, Vac Truck. Besides, if you could easily “get rid” of an employee for something offensive posted on the web – it only makes logical sense that someone could currently be tasked with weeding out the problem-children. And, if that someone is always finger pointing - drawing attention onto others, the heat is off of them. Aha! Who’s next?
It might be fair to say that many City Employees could be out the door tomorrow (Err Friday, if tomorrow is called on account of the Snow), if called out for postings that “violate” the Policy. Sidenote:: if you are “friends” or “followers” with anyone who is a coworker, supervisor, or subordinate – then perhaps a little ‘shame on you’ is deserved. If you wouldn’t invite them into your home, catch up with them after work, or speak with them in person as openly as online– maybe you shouldn’t invite them into your social media world. That goes for both Public and Private sector employees.
On the other side of that coin – is the skeptical side which questions everything before passing judgment, and does not take things at face value. A picture that is “tagged” might not actually be that person or it might not be recent … it could be a hacked or fake account. I could easily create an account using the name Jeff Dulin, “friend” a bunch of firemen, post a million offensive and controversial items, and then send it downtown to cause trouble. Now, I am in no way suggesting that either of the two current cases are a result of hacked or fake accounts. I am merely pointing out that it is possible for lines to get blurred and for innocent employees to come into question. Another oversight of the policy; it outlines no such process for how to determine legitimacy of an online post definitively “belonging” to an employee.
When can a City employee take off the work badge, and just be himself? Is it any different than the City dictating how an employee spends his paycheck? The City pays the wages, so it has a “right” to say what to purchase or not. No, it doesn’t work that way. Nor should self-expressions, whether electronic or not. (That is not to say a person won’t be judged, ostracized, or lose respect of his peers; however if it does not cause true harm to the City or Citizens, what does it matter?) It could possibly be suggested that the City need not rely on employee Facebook posts to make it look bad.
I still contend though - if not explicitly identified as a City worker and the post in no way suggests City of Charlotte endorsement, how is that a policy violation? I have a hard time understanding where the line can ever be drawn, based on recent discipline actions. Someone can do their grocery shopping or showering on City time free from disciplinary action. But don’t you dare post something online that might kinda sorta maybe-could offend somebody, or you’ll be packing up your desk, and hoping you're still eligible for the vacation payout.
Would it help Crystal and Jeff get back in good graces, to say that the insensitive posts were just the result of inattention and an outdated policy, and not with malicious intent? That seems to have worked with the whole travel audit thing.
Insensitivity at the top breeds insensitivity within the ranks.
The inappropriate posts by both Jeff Dulin and Crystal Eschert are clear indication of the need for "sensitivity training" for all staff within the department.
GFY with all this sensitivity training bullshit that no one takes seriously and would just be another waste of taxpayer money
What's insensitive is that most people have to walk on eggshells due to the inability of others to let things roll off their backs. The few run the many.
The Mr./Ms. Anonymous who left the "GFY" post could probably use some "anger management" training
Hey Anonymous February 24, 2015 at 8:57 PM
You are evidently one of those haters who can't get promoted so you strike out at those who did.
GO TO SCHOOL GET YOUR DEGREE, STUDY and maybe you can get promoted. Or STAY STUPID, STAY MAD, AND STAY BASIC FF.
Yes I am a BC who did all the first things and got promoted. I am tired of all you babies who want take time to do what you need to do to get promoted and be relevant. You lash out at the people who were associated with Newell VFD but all those folks have bachelors Degrees and Many have Masters Degrees. That's why they are in the positions they are in not because of Newell. Stop whining bitches.
Wow! Real professional Chief! If it weren't for firefighters you wouldn't be relevant either
The BC and his comments are exactly why CFD morale is at an all time low. The Dept needs real leaders not a bunch of kids who have done nothing but go to school and play video games. Most have never had to deal with real personnel problems. All they do is write people up. A lot of the problems we see today used to be handled in house by real Captains!!! It takes experience in the real world to lead. Reading is not doing. Oh and why didn't we have a grand opening for the new HQ? A year late and bunches of $$$$$ overbuget!!
Guess I missed the BC's comment about being relevant. You arrogant POS!!!! The firefighters on the street aren't the ones making the CFD look bad everyday on the news. We are doing good work even as you Newell trash are dragging us down with your bullshit we can do anything attitudes. When you are all gone I shall go to Black Finn for drinks and Dairy Queen for a little treat.
Awesome job chief. That's how you build morale tell the majority of your dept that they aren't relevant. Guess you didn't take that class to get your degree. It's ok though because you are the greatest. We know because you told us. Have a nice day and stay off facebook.......dumbass
Jeff Dulin was no saint but I don't know very many of us who are. Its unfortunate that his career was effectively ended over such a trivial incident. His contributions to CFD over the years helped form it into what it is today. One of the leading fire services in the nation. I wish him well in his retirement as he has certainly earned it......
Dear BC. I would be willing to bet that you were hated as a firefighter and a captain. I would also bet that the only relevance you can claim is that you are one of the best ass kissers to ever have the dishonor of wearing our uniform. Let me assure you that the only people who are relevant are the ones doing work on those trucks. I can assure you we don't need a pompous jackass like you to do our job and do it well. You are one of the new breed super firefighter that would have been eaten alive by some of our former leaders. Best thing that could happen to you is someone take you out behind the station and give you an old fashion ass whipping. You are disgrace to our department and the reason the fire service is losing the glory it once experienced. You Sir, are a huge piece of shit!!!!!
CFD Batt Chiefs really making the department look good.
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