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Fairfax Underground
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Welcome to Fairfax Underground, a project site designed to improve communication among residents of Fairfax County, VA. Feel free to post anything Northern Virginia residents would find interesting.
Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Fox News
()
Date: May 15, 2017 05:33PM
http://wtop.com/fairfax-county/2017/05/exclusive-husband-firefighter-nicole-mittendorff-slams-union-speculation-suicide/
http://fairfaxfirefighters.org/news/415-response-to-anonymous-complaints-of-bullying-and-harassment
An effort by the union representing Fairfax County firefighters to reassure the community that bullying and workplace harassment aren’t commonplace struck a painful nerve for Steve Mittendorff — the husband of a former county firefighter who was the victim of online bullying and who committed suicide last year.
Steve Mittendorff said the union, which issued a statement on Friday and indirectly referred to Nicole Mittendorff, was out of line and should not have discussed the reasons for his wife’s suicide.
“The decision to take her life was her decision and a personal one, for which the Local 2068 is not authorized to speak on,” said Mittendorff, in a statement shared with WTOP. “This media release (by the fire union) only compounds the grief our family experiences and prevents us from healing.”
The statement posted on the firefighters union’s website stated: “This suicide was NOT a result of any type of harassment or bullying occurring within the FCFRD workplace.”
“This tragic suicide was a culmination of life events, personal struggles and factors outside the FCFRD that family, friends, and co-workers were untrained to recognize and unaware of at the time,” the statement continued.
The union issued the statement several days after WTOP reported that Fire Chief Richard Bowers has been investigating an anonymous report of a supervisor who recently condoned bullying to the families of new recruits.
According to the union statement, “There has been much speculation, frustration, and anger surrounding this subject and we feel we should provide the facts as we know them.”
Mittendorff and his wife’s sister Jennifer Clardy Chalmers had told WTOP previously they doubted that her suicide was directly related to online bullying that was disclosed after she disappeared.
Still, Steve Mittendorff said it was not the union’s story to tell. He called the statement “deeply disappointing.”
“They speculate on the causative factors and behaviors that led my wife to die by suicide,” said Mittendorff. “Clearly, the Executive Staff of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics IAFF Local 2068 lack the sensitivity required to support those left behind and affected by suicide.”
Mittendorff said the union could have detailed “all the proactive steps being taken to improve the culture of the department.” But “their decision to publish portions of this release pertaining to Nicole only act as a continuation and brings more attention to the horrible things mentioned on various social media platforms regarding her.”
Shortly after Nicole Mittendorff’s death, Chief Bowers launched an investigation into cyberbullying in his department, citing crude online comments about the firefighter/paramedic, supposedly posted by fellow firefighters.
A year after her death, Bowers told WTOP investigators were unable to determine who posted the comments. And a departmentwide review found that a third of its employees reported instances of bullying and nearly a quarter reported instances of sexual harassment.
John Niemiec, president of the union, told WTOP he spoke with Steve Mittendorff.
“He had some concerns about the wording, so we did end up changing it,” said Niemiec. “We’re just trying to be sensitive.”
Niemiec said the statement was largely predicated by the recent story about the apparent condoning of bullying during a Family Day event at the fire academy.
“We’re just trying to set the record straight,” Niemiec said.
“I fully support the fine men and women of the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Department,” Mittendorff said in his statement. “I understand and support that a strong message needed to be given in response to the negative media coverage, however it should have been approached with more sensitivity for those who continue to grieve.”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2017 05:33PM by Fox News.
http://fairfaxfirefighters.org/news/415-response-to-anonymous-complaints-of-bullying-and-harassment
An effort by the union representing Fairfax County firefighters to reassure the community that bullying and workplace harassment aren’t commonplace struck a painful nerve for Steve Mittendorff — the husband of a former county firefighter who was the victim of online bullying and who committed suicide last year.
Steve Mittendorff said the union, which issued a statement on Friday and indirectly referred to Nicole Mittendorff, was out of line and should not have discussed the reasons for his wife’s suicide.
“The decision to take her life was her decision and a personal one, for which the Local 2068 is not authorized to speak on,” said Mittendorff, in a statement shared with WTOP. “This media release (by the fire union) only compounds the grief our family experiences and prevents us from healing.”
The statement posted on the firefighters union’s website stated: “This suicide was NOT a result of any type of harassment or bullying occurring within the FCFRD workplace.”
“This tragic suicide was a culmination of life events, personal struggles and factors outside the FCFRD that family, friends, and co-workers were untrained to recognize and unaware of at the time,” the statement continued.
The union issued the statement several days after WTOP reported that Fire Chief Richard Bowers has been investigating an anonymous report of a supervisor who recently condoned bullying to the families of new recruits.
According to the union statement, “There has been much speculation, frustration, and anger surrounding this subject and we feel we should provide the facts as we know them.”
Mittendorff and his wife’s sister Jennifer Clardy Chalmers had told WTOP previously they doubted that her suicide was directly related to online bullying that was disclosed after she disappeared.
Still, Steve Mittendorff said it was not the union’s story to tell. He called the statement “deeply disappointing.”
“They speculate on the causative factors and behaviors that led my wife to die by suicide,” said Mittendorff. “Clearly, the Executive Staff of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters & Paramedics IAFF Local 2068 lack the sensitivity required to support those left behind and affected by suicide.”
Mittendorff said the union could have detailed “all the proactive steps being taken to improve the culture of the department.” But “their decision to publish portions of this release pertaining to Nicole only act as a continuation and brings more attention to the horrible things mentioned on various social media platforms regarding her.”
Shortly after Nicole Mittendorff’s death, Chief Bowers launched an investigation into cyberbullying in his department, citing crude online comments about the firefighter/paramedic, supposedly posted by fellow firefighters.
A year after her death, Bowers told WTOP investigators were unable to determine who posted the comments. And a departmentwide review found that a third of its employees reported instances of bullying and nearly a quarter reported instances of sexual harassment.
John Niemiec, president of the union, told WTOP he spoke with Steve Mittendorff.
“He had some concerns about the wording, so we did end up changing it,” said Niemiec. “We’re just trying to be sensitive.”
Niemiec said the statement was largely predicated by the recent story about the apparent condoning of bullying during a Family Day event at the fire academy.
“We’re just trying to set the record straight,” Niemiec said.
“I fully support the fine men and women of the Fairfax Fire & Rescue Department,” Mittendorff said in his statement. “I understand and support that a strong message needed to be given in response to the negative media coverage, however it should have been approached with more sensitivity for those who continue to grieve.”
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/15/2017 05:33PM by Fox News.
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Fox News
()
Date: May 15, 2017 05:34PM
http://fairfaxfirefighters.org/news/415-response-to-anonymous-complaints-of-bullying-and-harassment
The Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics has a long proud history of working to improve not only the lives of our members and their families but to the citizens and visitors of Fairfax County. Our professional firefighters and paramedics are on duty 24/7 to respond to any type of emergency in and around Fairfax County. This is a profession like no other and a department that we are proud to be a part of.
Unfortunately, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) has been the subject of recent media reports regarding allegations of harassment and bullying within the department. These allegations coincide with the one-year anniversary of the tragic suicide of one of our members and suggestions that the firehouse culture has not changed. There has been much speculation, frustration, and anger surrounding this subject and we feel we should provide the facts as we know them.
This suicide was NOT a result of any type of harassment or bullying occurring within the FCFRD workplace. This tragic suicide was a culmination of life events, personal struggles and factors outside the FCFRD that family, friends, and co-workers were untrained to recognize and unaware of at the time – quite frankly, many of our members’ and co-workers were unaware of her tumultuous personal situation.
This horrific and unnecessary death was not in vain. The FCFRD and your professional firefighters and paramedics recognized the necessity for behavioral health and suicide awareness. We have implemented an aggressive and comprehensive training program with the assistance from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The FCFRD coupled with your professional firefighters and paramedics continue to ensure that everyone receives access to our behavioral health program while ensuring operational peers assist with suicide awareness and behavioral health issues. In addition, we have conducted multiple mandatory classrooms and online training sessions on the topics of EEO and Sexual Harassment. All officers from the Fire Chief to Lieutenant are attending mandatory Westpoint Leadership classes.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the suicide, the Board of Supervisors led by County Executive Ed Long retained the Titan Group for an objective assessment and cultural evaluation of the FCFRD. The findings were largely based on the perceptions of department members through the use of an anonymous online survey with 62% of members participating. Titan Group conducted one on one interviews with only 65 members who were identified or identified themselves to have an issue with the department.
Currently, your professional firefighters and paramedics are working closely with the FCFRD to work through and implement the recommendations from the Titan Group. The survey clearly indicated overall dedicated and pride in the department as well as the support of its mission. The survey did identify some opportunities for improvement, so an Organizational Structure Task Force was developed. This inclusive participatory group, working with several county agencies and employee groups, is now in place to address those items.
Our Union, the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics, represents a large multicultural, multigenerational, and extremely diverse family. The members of our union show professionalism and pride for the county and department daily by providing exceptional service. We are regarded as one of the best fire and rescue departments in the world. The men and women of the FCFRD put their lives on the line to protect and serve the citizens of Fairfax County, responding to over 100,000 incidents annually, as well as raising over half a million dollars every year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We provide smoke detectors and safety inspections every Saturday with our Safety in Our Community Program (SIOC).
Our members lead the backpack drive and coats for kids and underprivileged families. We are leaders in the community with our Toys for Tots drive, Santa Runs, and numerous other charitable endeavors. We care about our citizens, our businesses, and making a difference in someone’s life each and every day!
Let’s be clear – we do not condone our members breaking the rules. We do not have a systemic bullying problem. We do not have a systemic cultural issue. We do not have a systemic culture of harassment. Like any family or organization, we have our differences and disagreements. Those are isolated incidents or personalities that cast the negative light on the entire organization.
Unfortunately, like any large organization, there are also some individuals with their own agendas and personal vendettas who enjoy perpetuating differences or disagreements, but we refuse to let that small percentage of people marginalize the silent majority of our members. Those members who continue to exemplify the high standards the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics demand. Our Union will not allow the unacceptable behavior and demeaning actions of a few to define who WE are.
The Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics cannot and will not stand for faceless attacks and accusations on any member without substance or evidence.
We expect our community leaders, county managers, and FCFRD to help to be part of making our great organization better, by not laying blame before formal investigations and inquiries have been completed. The recent and unfounded claims that a “cancer” of bullying and harassment exist within our fire department are unwarranted, unfounded and only serve to perpetuate individual agendas that undermine the progress that has been made.
Your Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics are woven into the fabric of our communities, despite what is being portrayed in the media. We remain committed to serving you, your family, and your neighbors, regardless of the emergency with continued compassion and professionalism - and we’re damn proud of that!
The Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics has a long proud history of working to improve not only the lives of our members and their families but to the citizens and visitors of Fairfax County. Our professional firefighters and paramedics are on duty 24/7 to respond to any type of emergency in and around Fairfax County. This is a profession like no other and a department that we are proud to be a part of.
Unfortunately, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department (FCFRD) has been the subject of recent media reports regarding allegations of harassment and bullying within the department. These allegations coincide with the one-year anniversary of the tragic suicide of one of our members and suggestions that the firehouse culture has not changed. There has been much speculation, frustration, and anger surrounding this subject and we feel we should provide the facts as we know them.
This suicide was NOT a result of any type of harassment or bullying occurring within the FCFRD workplace. This tragic suicide was a culmination of life events, personal struggles and factors outside the FCFRD that family, friends, and co-workers were untrained to recognize and unaware of at the time – quite frankly, many of our members’ and co-workers were unaware of her tumultuous personal situation.
This horrific and unnecessary death was not in vain. The FCFRD and your professional firefighters and paramedics recognized the necessity for behavioral health and suicide awareness. We have implemented an aggressive and comprehensive training program with the assistance from the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF). The FCFRD coupled with your professional firefighters and paramedics continue to ensure that everyone receives access to our behavioral health program while ensuring operational peers assist with suicide awareness and behavioral health issues. In addition, we have conducted multiple mandatory classrooms and online training sessions on the topics of EEO and Sexual Harassment. All officers from the Fire Chief to Lieutenant are attending mandatory Westpoint Leadership classes.
Due to the circumstances surrounding the suicide, the Board of Supervisors led by County Executive Ed Long retained the Titan Group for an objective assessment and cultural evaluation of the FCFRD. The findings were largely based on the perceptions of department members through the use of an anonymous online survey with 62% of members participating. Titan Group conducted one on one interviews with only 65 members who were identified or identified themselves to have an issue with the department.
Currently, your professional firefighters and paramedics are working closely with the FCFRD to work through and implement the recommendations from the Titan Group. The survey clearly indicated overall dedicated and pride in the department as well as the support of its mission. The survey did identify some opportunities for improvement, so an Organizational Structure Task Force was developed. This inclusive participatory group, working with several county agencies and employee groups, is now in place to address those items.
Our Union, the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics, represents a large multicultural, multigenerational, and extremely diverse family. The members of our union show professionalism and pride for the county and department daily by providing exceptional service. We are regarded as one of the best fire and rescue departments in the world. The men and women of the FCFRD put their lives on the line to protect and serve the citizens of Fairfax County, responding to over 100,000 incidents annually, as well as raising over half a million dollars every year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. We provide smoke detectors and safety inspections every Saturday with our Safety in Our Community Program (SIOC).
Our members lead the backpack drive and coats for kids and underprivileged families. We are leaders in the community with our Toys for Tots drive, Santa Runs, and numerous other charitable endeavors. We care about our citizens, our businesses, and making a difference in someone’s life each and every day!
Let’s be clear – we do not condone our members breaking the rules. We do not have a systemic bullying problem. We do not have a systemic cultural issue. We do not have a systemic culture of harassment. Like any family or organization, we have our differences and disagreements. Those are isolated incidents or personalities that cast the negative light on the entire organization.
Unfortunately, like any large organization, there are also some individuals with their own agendas and personal vendettas who enjoy perpetuating differences or disagreements, but we refuse to let that small percentage of people marginalize the silent majority of our members. Those members who continue to exemplify the high standards the Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics demand. Our Union will not allow the unacceptable behavior and demeaning actions of a few to define who WE are.
The Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics cannot and will not stand for faceless attacks and accusations on any member without substance or evidence.
We expect our community leaders, county managers, and FCFRD to help to be part of making our great organization better, by not laying blame before formal investigations and inquiries have been completed. The recent and unfounded claims that a “cancer” of bullying and harassment exist within our fire department are unwarranted, unfounded and only serve to perpetuate individual agendas that undermine the progress that has been made.
Your Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics are woven into the fabric of our communities, despite what is being portrayed in the media. We remain committed to serving you, your family, and your neighbors, regardless of the emergency with continued compassion and professionalism - and we’re damn proud of that!
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Fox News
()
Date: May 15, 2017 09:18PM
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Boys
()
Date: May 15, 2017 09:23PM
Boys will be boys.
Public service unions in Fairfax County are untouchable by politicians.
Public service unions in Fairfax County are untouchable by politicians.
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Union Dues
()
Date: May 15, 2017 09:26PM
What has the union done to stop the bullying?
Nothing.
Nothing.
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
Let the dead rest
()
Date: May 15, 2017 09:47PM
Why bring up a dead subject?
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
u3hwy
()
Date: May 16, 2017 05:32PM
i first want proof they were ever married
not everyone who uses crooked fx co courts who say they were married after a death, seeking a lawsuit, was really married !
that's the facts, jack
you best be sure to check them twice in this area
Re: Steve Mittendorff 'disappointed' by union statement on wife's suicide
Posted by:
no flakes
()
Date: May 16, 2017 07:01PM
Union Dues Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> What has the union done to stop the bullying?
>
> Nothing.
good
step up or shut up
equal rights = NO special treatment
if you are bullied, do something about it
if you fuck a coworker while married, well you deserve the ridicule
-------------------------------------------------------
> What has the union done to stop the bullying?
>
> Nothing.
good
step up or shut up
equal rights = NO special treatment
if you are bullied, do something about it
if you fuck a coworker while married, well you deserve the ridicule