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Firefighters sue city over promotion

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By CLARENCE MABIN / Lincoln Journal Star

Friday, Jan 25, 2008 - 08:58:22 pm CST

Five Lincoln firefighters are suing the city of Lincoln over Fire Chief Niles Ford’s promotion of Capt. Jeanne Pashalek to deputy chief in November.

The plaintiffs, all of whom are male, are alleging Pashalek’s promotion was not based on merit and violated their due process rights under the Nebraska constitution, as well as city ordinances prohibiting unequal treatment based on gender.

Filed this week in Lancaster County District Court, the lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment that the promotion violated the plaintiffs’ rights. It also seeks an injunction barring the city from continued violation of those rights. Such an injunction apparently would reverse Pashalek’s promotion.

Story Photo
Fire Chief Niles Ford

Ford, who became the Lincoln fire chief in October, has said Pashalek, a 29-year-veteran, was the most qualified person for the post. He could not be reached for comment Friday.

The plaintiffs include Guy Pinkman, Brett Davis, Steven Dolezal and Michael Hohbein, all of whom are identified as captains in the lawsuit, and Dustin Morton.

In the suit, they claim, among other things, that they ranked higher than Pashalek on the department’s promotional list.

Dana Roper, the Lincoln city attorney, said Friday his office had not been served with the lawsuit, and he declined comment.

Don Taute, personnel director for the city, said city administrators assess employees’ eligibility for promotion based on written tests, which include multiple choice and essay questions.

Test results, along with seniority and the evaluations of job interviews, can figure into promotion decisions that, in the Fire Department, are ultimately made by the chief, Taute said.

“By the Defendant’s own rating system and promotional procedure, the Plaintiffs were more qualified than Fire Captain Pashalek,” John Corrigan, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in the lawsuit.

Corrigan of Omaha said in an interview Friday the “objective qualifications” of all five plaintiffs — measured in part, he said, by the job experience of the candidates — were superior to those of Pashalek.

According to the lawsuit, Pinkman logged 3,960 hours as acting deputy chief prior to November. Davis had been an acting chief since 1996, amassing more than 6,000 hours, the suit said.

Morton had been an acting deputy chief since about January 2000, and Dolezal an acting deputy chief for three years prior to his interview for the position in October, the lawsuit said. Hohbein has 498 hours as acting deputy chief, Corrigan said in the lawsuit.

Pashalek had 17 hours of experience acting as a deputy chief before her promotion, the attorney said in the lawsuit.

“All of them (the plaintiffs) had hundreds and hundreds of hours more doing the job as deputy chief,” Corrigan said.

Reach Clarence Mabin at 473-7234 or cmabin@journalstar.com.


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Jeffrey J. wrote on January 25, 2008 3:47 pm:
" Man, what a rough first year for the new chief! But I think the plaitiffs have a good case. "
tim wrote on January 25, 2008 3:48 pm:
" the fire department in this city continue continues to make headlines. lets see how the new chief handles this issue. looks like he honeymoon is over. "
Jeff wrote on January 25, 2008 3:49 pm:
" Welcome to Lincoln Chief Ford. You might want to keep that resume up-to-date and circulating. Not because you aren't able to take the heat. Mostly because you're going to get fed up with this whining bunch and find a city where the department is fixated on what's owed to them and what is "fair". And hear goes a bunch of tax-payers dollars into the lawyers bank accounts. "
What? wrote on January 25, 2008 3:52 pm:
" Maybe Chief Niles should fire these five "captains" for insubordination. Gee, can't handle being outdone be a girl? "
Disgusted wrote on January 25, 2008 4:24 pm:
" You've got to be kidding me. Violated their RIGHTS? Since when was a promotion a right? I thought it was a privilege. And hey, call me crazy, but I don't feel like "filed lawsuit against my employer" would really be a dazzler on a resume. Sour grapes, anyon? "
silence dogood wrote on January 25, 2008 4:29 pm:
" get over it, a woman got the promotion "
Can wrote on January 25, 2008 4:30 pm:
" anyone say "bad sport"? It seems like those captains hate having a woman in command.

Get over it! The chief promoted the best qualified person period. "
quick commet wrote on January 25, 2008 4:49 pm:
" You can not have affimative action and equal oportunity employment in the same goverment "
Richard Cravin wrote on January 25, 2008 4:49 pm:
" I hope the chief has his resume on hand because I have the impression that he is no longer wanted here. His job in Lincoln almost lasted as long as my first marriage. Almost!!! "
No wrote on January 25, 2008 4:51 pm:
" Obviously the most qualified was not promoted if there was a list of the most qualified and she was at the bottom. "
Soylent Green wrote on January 25, 2008 4:54 pm:
" I bet all your comments would be different if the individuals that were sueing were minorities or other women... I bet you all would be screaming about unfairness and bigotry. These guys got shafted! They all have more experience and scored higher on the exam. One of them, the logical choice would have been number 2 on the list, should be in the job held by Pashalek.

At least none of them would be sleeping on a cot in their office... "
Jim wrote on January 25, 2008 4:55 pm:
" I know one of the men in this lawsuit and anyone that says that they wouldn't be upset in the same situation is just flat out lying. There is a chain of seniority and it has to be respected, LFR and LPD both have it. Seniority at this job is not like other jobs, so they have a right to have a grip. "
SB wrote on January 25, 2008 4:57 pm:
" Maybe they didn’t get promoted because they act like pre-adolescent teenagers. "
Don't judge wrote on January 25, 2008 4:57 pm:
" This is the world we live in. As a person who has had his resume thrown to the bottom of the stack because I am a white male, i can sympathize. I was more qualified than the female that got the position...the job required a master's degree, I had one, she didn't.

Ain't life grand? "
Get real! wrote on January 25, 2008 4:58 pm:
" I'm really getting sick of all the peolple that think she was the right person for the job! The only people that should even have the right to comment about her work skills would be co-workers that have to work with her! Not neighbors, friends, or people who live in her home town! Trust me, she is way in over her head and the five men were definitly disciminated against because of HER gender! "
wahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!! wrote on January 25, 2008 5:00 pm:
" get a life ... people get passed up all the time. If you had earned it, you may have gotten it. Why do I think this is more a pride issue because she is a women and not a man.

If I don' get a promotion and don't feel like I get a fair treatment at work, I quit and go somewhere else - why should you be compensated for your hurt feelings?!?!

Baseless lawsuits are why this country is in the mess it is in. Shame on all of them - handle this professionally! "
about time wrote on January 25, 2008 5:20 pm:
" I bet there would be a different song playing if it were 5 females and 1 male getting promoted. "
JJ wrote on January 25, 2008 5:26 pm:
" And such is the problem with affirmative action. Good bye out dated "fairness" law! Political correctness is a detriment to society. "
You Go Guys! wrote on January 25, 2008 5:34 pm:
" These 5 men were denied what was rightfully theirs, and I hope a court upholds their right. Promotion should be based on merit alone, not on politically correct criteria, and it is pretty clear in this case that merit was secondary. "
What's TRULY sad wrote on January 25, 2008 5:48 pm:
" is that the majority (if not all) of the firefighters listed in the lawsuit live OUTSIDE of Lincoln. In other words, they pay no city taxes.

I have no sympathy for them. I have a feeling it's mainly because "she" is a woman. "
numbers wrote on January 25, 2008 6:03 pm:
" why are there 5 people sueing? if there is a ranked list, only one name can be #1, and that person is the only one who got shafted. the others would still not be getting the promotion. were was the official ranked list posted? "
jo wrote on January 25, 2008 6:04 pm:
" Man, I never thought Steve would pull the gender card? It makes these guys look like haters. Shame on them. Here's an idea, maybe she interviewed better? I to work in a male dominent job and I hear this piss poor excuse a lot! Come on give the gal a chance,if she doesn't have what it takes it'll show sooner or later. "
Sooo...... wrote on January 25, 2008 6:06 pm:
" Based on many of these comments, if one of the guys would have been promoted, the other 4 and the woman would have sued, correct? No, that's not what would have happened. The others would have perhaps been disappointed, as is natural, but you wouldn't see a lawsuit, that's for sure. I will at least acknowledge that I don't know the qualifications of the individuals involved, unlike many others posting here. However, I strongly believe that if any of the men who are now suing had received the promotion, we wouldn't have this uproar. "
just because wrote on January 25, 2008 6:07 pm:
" Just because you score higher on an exam doesn't make you the best qualified applicant. What about customer serivce, coordinating skills, and all that other jazz? Not saying she was more qualified, but come on! I have seen first hand what happens when someone is promoted because of a 'list'. It doesn't work folk. Want a real example, what about kids who score off the roof on ACTs and flunk out of school. But wait! They were higher on the list! Give me a break, get over it...you were not entitled nor what it promised to you or is it a right! "
what's the history here? wrote on January 25, 2008 6:16 pm:
" I figure the only way they have a case is if in all the history of promotions in the LFD that no one lower on that promotion list ever got promoted over someone higher. I'm guessing it's happened and I'm guessing they don't have much of a case. "
rick wrote on January 25, 2008 6:18 pm:
" well there may be something to this after all if a group of six file a suit "
Hang In There wrote on January 25, 2008 6:25 pm:
" This man is from the South. That's where they have real "good ole boys." You Lincolnites ain't the real thing. Stay strong Chief. "
oh wrote on January 25, 2008 6:31 pm:
" get real ... they should get the job based on seniority? What about education, management skills, experience, attendance, attitude .. you know - the thing NORMAL people have to have to compete for a promotion - that's what tells who is qualified ....ROFLMAO - Seniority?? Give me a break! "
Chief Justice wrote on January 25, 2008 6:43 pm:
" These fire fighters need to stop whining and suck it up! You didn't get the job, tough, move on our quit. "
Herb wrote on January 25, 2008 7:01 pm:
" Bunch of sour grape whiners if you ask me. "
Frederick wrote on January 25, 2008 7:16 pm:
" I have many friends who work for the city. As I understand it promotions are very frequently based on whether or not a person agrees with and or does not question his or her supervisor. Qualifications, education and the valuable opinions of co workers come in last. "
JM wrote on January 25, 2008 7:35 pm:
" For 34 years I told my special education students that the most successful people in life aren't those people who get the highest scores but rather those who can get along and work the best with others. "
amazed wrote on January 25, 2008 8:08 pm:
" gee, sue for a position? that will get you the job every time. win the lawsuit and maybe get a job? doubtful at best. lose a lawsuit and lose your ability to be hired somewhere else should you choose to leave. cost taxpayers even more money goofing around with attorney fees. no winners here. "
What's new... wrote on January 25, 2008 8:09 pm:
" Females in predominantly male occupations often get promoted for reasons solely associated with their gender. If employers would just show their employees their policies encouraging this sexist practice, the employees probably wouldn't like it, but at least they'd know what they're up against when they start and they wouldn't throw such a fuss about it when someone less qualified gets promoted. Honesty helps here. I'm not saying gender based hiring is good or bad in all cases, but if a person or a group of people take issue with it, then they have the right to verify the validity of the promotion. Good for those men, who felt compelled to do something and carried through with it. "
bye bye wrote on January 25, 2008 8:13 pm:
" kiss your careers goodbye... "
Sue wrote on January 25, 2008 8:31 pm:
" Would you have filed a lawsuit if all of you would have gotten passed over by another on the list that was a male collegue of color? Ask yourself that. If your answer is yes - then you all are most pathetic. Over the past several years, the Lincoln Fire Department has risen to the top as being one of the most ungrateful, whining bunch of immature employees any public entity could ever have. Why don't you all try to show the public some small example of "public servant". You all are so wrapped up in yourselves. You truly make most of us sick and tired of airing your dirty laundry. Grow up. "
Common Practice wrote on January 25, 2008 8:50 pm:
" This is the way that local governments (especially police and fire departments) make in-house promtions everywhere in the US. These processes are SUBJECTIVE just like in private industry. Fire Chief's are given the right to CHOOSE who they promote based on who THE CHIEF feels will be the best fit. While this may not always seem practical (or fair to those who aren't chosen) it is what it is. Chief Ford made a choice and everyone should live with it. Lincoln Fire, I have a plea: When will enough be enough?? I'm a supporter of LFR, always have been - always will be, but come on folks! You already two have brusied eyes, so why go for brusted lip. Maybe its time to suck it up and work on getting LFR back to the Lincoln Fire that it used to be. SERVICE to the community - dont forget the values of the LFD of the 80's and 90's. What did it used to say: The DESIRE to serve, the ability to PERFORM, the COURAGE to act. Return to greatness LFR, you have it in you... NOW is the time!!! Drop the petty messes, and elevate yourselves and those around you... make us proud. You've done it before - now do it again! "
Think about it wrote on January 25, 2008 8:57 pm:
" I am not sure the core of this problem lies so much with the woman as it does with Ford.Ford made a statement a while back saying he was the chief and could promote who he choses.By that comment was he really trying to say I am a minority and I will hire another one just because I can.Is this the real point behind this whole mess? I'll say one thing it sure didnt take him long to rattle the bushes and when you have the pot under you boiling, it doesnt take long to get your feet burnt.I've been the (BOSS}and if you have the people under you upset,no coooperation,no one working together other than to try to make your job as (BOSS) as ugly as possible it doesnt take long to reflect on your ability to manage such a job. "
Since when wrote on January 25, 2008 9:29 pm:
" did rankings and a place on the list mean that person was the most qualified.Where I work there's a newer,younger and more dynamic worker but she's got a lower rank and less income because she doesn't have the number of years in the field as an older and fatter person in the same department.If I were the boss-I know who I'd be promoting!It's work ethic and commitment that counts in the long run.that's life....and success.... "
Unbelievable wrote on January 25, 2008 9:38 pm:
" What a bunch of cry babies. People are passed over for jobs everyday. Deal with it like a man. "
Mike wrote on January 25, 2008 9:50 pm:
" Typical behavior from Lincoln Fire Dept employees. The Fire Dept has had way too much say in the affairs of Lincoln government for way too long. I find it absolutely absurd that so much emphasis is being put on written tests. I hire no less than thirty people annually, and part of the process involves a written test for a few jobs. However, the results of those tests rarely account for much more than a disqualifier for any position. It is through interaction and working with someone, and knowing that person to some degree that you make a hiring or promotion decision. Doing better on a test does not mean you should be granted a certain job. This is comical, and this lawsuit is exposing the true nature of those who have been in leadership positions within the fire department. Put out fires, dont try to run the city. And if you dont like your new boss - who is obviously more than qualified for his position - then go find a new job like everyone else on the planet. "
Christian Attitude wrote on January 25, 2008 9:51 pm:
" I've been in my career for 27 years and have lost several advances/promotions to someone who is less qualified, less experienced and of the same female gender. Initially I was shocked & hurt, but, felt that it was God's way of telling me no, He didn't want me in that position. He always seemed to have better plans for me. I know one of you men claim to be a Christian, are you sure God isn't telling you no? Instead, you sue??? Good Christian attitude there!! "
Sad wrote on January 25, 2008 10:12 pm:
" A person should be promoted base on job performance and how they contribute to their job. Just because a person has been at their job for X amount of years or is physically stronger does not make them a better candidate. What it really comes down to is a female was promoted over a man and like always the man or in this case the men are NOT acting mature. I am not happy my tax dollars are being spent on the department’s personal battles. With all the issues over the last few months unfolding the city is learning the truth behind the Fire Department. I am not a person to voice my personal opinion, but this issue really bothers me. Thank you Ford and Pashalek for doing your job! "
Laughing wrote on January 25, 2008 10:57 pm:
" What an interesting method to seek a promotion. I can't imagine what would occur in most of the working population if we just decided to file suit against our employer anytime we felt we were "skipped over" for a higher position. Give me a break, already...... "
go get 'em chief wrote on January 25, 2008 11:03 pm:
" next thing you know they'll be making the fire fighters drive their own cars to the grocery store before they come to work. "
Boo Hoo wrote on January 25, 2008 11:53 pm:
" Sounds like the requirements for the deputy chief position was based on more than just scores, and experience. It's obvious ATTITUDE was a factor in Ms. Pashalek's promotion to Deputy Chief, and perhaps her belief and willingness to follow the philosophy and mission of where Chief Ford is leading the the department. "
fairness comes with who you know..... wrote on January 26, 2008 12:21 am:
" I am a female and totally think these guys got treated unfairly, if they were higher up in all categories then the one with the most experience should have got the job. My gosh she only had something like 16 hours of experience and the others were in the thousands. Unfortunately if you don't know the right people and do not brown nose to the correct people you will be overlooked every time no matter how long you have been a loyal employee. There should be a class on how to kiss butt to get what you want before you can earn your degree. Very unfortunate but very true it happens at my place of employment all the time. Good luck to you guys! "
Doug wrote on January 26, 2008 5:55 am:
" Logic tells me they are right in their senority argument. My heart tells me they are tootally wrong with their internal communication with themselves and their external communication with others. Could it be? The new chief selected a person becasue she has better communication skills? Her deficient technical skill can be fixed by education and experience. So can comunication skills. I think the lawsuit happy fellas ought go to work and qualify themselves for the next promotion opportunity. It will be interesting to see what hte court says. "
LET's SEE wrote on January 26, 2008 6:29 am:
" I wonder whether or not there would be a lawsuit if the position was given to a man of whom ranked lower than these 5. Chief Ford in past interviews with LJS gave his reasonings (of which he should not have needed to explain) for the choices he made on filling those two positions. Maybe it is time that the city looks at how they promote...base it on capability, knowledge, work performance, etc and not on seniority for promotions. Chief Ford has one heck of a battle on his hands with this "OLD BOY CLUB" that we have in the LFP. GOOD LUCK!!!! "
mike wrote on January 26, 2008 7:02 am:
" stop crying and get over it "
Rick wrote on January 26, 2008 8:11 am:
" I am glad they have sued. The new fire chief has destroyed morale in the department by passing over more qualified candidates to promote a "diversity" deputy chief. This is why we need to pass the civil rights initaiative this year. "
LOL wrote on January 26, 2008 8:15 am:
" Yea, way to go Jim. Seniority, sounds like another union slug saying "I've worked here for 40 years and I should be the boss". Even if these guys have 6000 hours working the deputy job still doesn't mean they did a good job while filling in. They may have tested higher. But what did they do in an interview????? You can test and school people all you want and look at the scores. But I'd hire someone from what they did in there interview....... "
Been There, Done That wrote on January 26, 2008 8:28 am:
" To Capt's Pinkman, Davis, Doezal, Hohbein, and Morton. Get over it. You did not have what Chief Ford was looking for. Promotion is not a right. "
Way to go wrote on January 26, 2008 8:32 am:
" you guys. This new chief has no respect for the department nor for the wrongly passed over men who have devoted their lives to serve and protect the people of Lincoln. He is treating them like dirt, not heroes. Shame on the chief and shame on the woman who used her gender to be promoted. "
Bill H. wrote on January 26, 2008 8:39 am:
" Having read the first 35 "comments", I would have said that they were entertaining. The sad thing is that most of those commenting are just grabbing at the surface. Was the best "qualified" person promoted here? Probably not. Is this something new to City promotions? No. Do the citizens of Lincoln deserve the best "qualified" person for promotion since they pay the salaries? Yes.
Probaly no good will come of this lawsuit except for maybe City Supervisers being put on notice that their selections will be under scrutiny. A City Official with one month on the job who promotes a person with seventeen hours of out of grade experience(if true) to a very responsible position certainly should have their judgement questioned, if not by the Mayor, by Lincoln's citizens. Is the system flawed? You make the call. "
yoshiki wrote on January 26, 2008 9:14 am:
" Sorry Chief Niles about the mess. Kind'a goes to show the true colors of some of the people here in Lincoln... "
wow wrote on January 26, 2008 9:17 am:
" How can anyone respect these guys after this. What real right do they have to this position? they scored high on a test, give me a break! I think we should FIRE all the firemen they are all from the past good o'lboy era and start over. No more firetrucks to the grocery store. 8-10 hr shift's like police and the rest of the world. Must live in the City you supposedly protect.

They act as babies and if they owned the big red truck bet they would take it and go home. "
Mark wrote on January 26, 2008 9:24 am:
" I think it's safe to say turmoil is still rampant within this dept. Now the damage has been done. It's apparent the chief does not have the support of those he most needs it from. The mayor is probably reaching for his aspirin now. When a minority hires a minority over more qualified people, it will ruffle many feathers, as it should. I think in the best interest, and the fire department is in the best interest of this city, chief Miles should just move on. Sometimes things or jobs don't work out for whatever reason. If Niles Ford's staff does not respect/support him, the staff will never perform at a high level to standards we as a community demand. The damage has been done. We need a dept that is focused on the safety of the city, not a dept that is focused on who is, or should have been deputy chief. Disruption of workplace trust in this capacity (firefighting) can or will cost someones life. Is that worth it? The damage has been done. "
I know wrote on January 26, 2008 10:08 am:
" in the private sector if I was an assistant CEO and was in charge of hiring someone and bypassed someone with 6000+ hours for someone with under 20 I would be looking for a job. "
Terry wrote on January 26, 2008 10:11 am:
" How dare this "outsider" come to town and upset the "good 'ol boy" system! "
Gerard Harbison wrote on January 26, 2008 10:29 am:
" This case illustrates why we need the Nebraska Civil Rights Initiative. It looks like as clear an example of gender preference as I've seen. But obviously we're going to find out in court, at considerable expense to the city of Lincoln, and at the cost of further disharmony and strife within the fire department. If the city were legally forbidden from using gender preferences, then there would be no question that this promotion was based on merit. The evaluation of merit might still be flawed, but at least there would be no legal basis for taking Ms. Pashalek's gender into account. "
great wrote on January 26, 2008 11:05 am:
" 17 hours as deputy chief, that does not compare with 3.900 plus and 6,000 hours of experience does it... These people were past over by a very less qualified person, lets keep gender out of it, and agree the least qualified was promoted for unknown reasons.
The new chief has major morale problems as the picketer said on his sign. Not just these five are demoralized, but the hundreds of other fire personnel who have to be directed by an inexperienced person in dangerous fire situations. Why would the chief use on-the-job training for a deputy chief postion? "
What if wrote on January 26, 2008 11:26 am:
" What if everyone sued their employer when their boss made a decision they didn't like? "
sam wrote on January 26, 2008 11:45 am:
" why don't they grow up and accept that the woman was the one that got promoted to the position and if they don'tlike it then they can move to another city and maybe get on their fire department and maybe if they work a little harder and quit complaining they could get moved up. This is child' play crying about a move around them "
Rob wrote on January 26, 2008 12:08 pm:
" I was just wondering whether or not this position is even necessary???? In my dealings with city departments I sometimes see too many supervisors and not enough workers.
Employees trying to serve the public/taxpayers are not encouraged or allowed to do so. Instead their supervisors hold meetings or give them tasks that take them away from serving the public in an effort to justify their own positions. Maybe it is time for city government to look at what is actually being accomplished in departments. Asking the employees who actually do the work might be a good place to start. Do the firefighters and other city employees for that matter really need as much "supervision" as they get?? In the private sector if a person needs that much supervision they would not have the job. You would not see this kind of waste in the private sector for very long. "
Go Chief wrote on January 26, 2008 12:19 pm:
" It is your department and you should be able to promote those who best share your ideas and visions for the future of LFR. Hang in there. It is tougher to be right than it is to get along. "
Tired of Whining wrote on January 26, 2008 4:42 pm:
" Here's my only question to all of the posters for this article. Everyone is saying that this is typical behavior of Lincoln's Fire Dept. I ask this, isn't this typical behavior of any government employee in Lincoln, be it from the Fire Dept, the Police, LPS, State Emp., etc? First of all, all of there experience as deputy chiefs was under the old Chief. Secondly, people get passed up for promotions everyday in every type of career from white collar, public service, all of the way down to fast food employees. Quit your whining. It may suck, they might have had more experience, one or two of them might even have had better interviews, get over it. Welcome to the world of all of us private workforce employees. "
Joe wrote on January 26, 2008 5:13 pm:
" I can't believe that Chief Ford would give such and important job to someone that only has 17 hours experience at that job over other applicants that have anywhere from 3900+ to 6000 hours experience! 17 hours isn't even 3 days experience! Pashalek also didn't score as high as the other applicants on the tests either, another red flag as to why she isn't the best qualified person for the job, if the test scores aren't relevant then why have the tests in the first place? Just because someone did better in their verbal interview makes them the most qualified? For my tax dollars I want the best QUALIFIED person with EXPERIENCE whether their female or male or what race they are, NOT the one that can sit and chit-chat the best in an interview! "
wally wrote on January 26, 2008 7:11 pm:
" How about Chief Ford just put all the cards on the table. Put it on paper,,,all the test scores and interview evaluations that led him to choose the candidate he picked. Then, he can justify his choice and all the others can be quiet. If he cant justify his choice, then the lawsuit is justified and should continue. Seems like an easy solution. Why shouldnt he, if its a solid selection, he should have no problem laying down the facts. "
Tom wrote on January 26, 2008 8:36 pm:
" She had seventeen hours previously as a deputy chief, while the other guys who applied had thousands. However that's okay, because our fire chief gets to hire who he wants to hire. I'm glad they sued, this seems like some form of discrimination. What Would Ernie Chambers do? "
maybe wrote on January 26, 2008 9:36 pm:
" Chief Ford wasn't the best choice for fire chief either. "
Fire Dude wrote on January 26, 2008 10:21 pm:
" It is about time that a Chief steps up and works on correcting the system. LFR has had many issues dating back to Chief Merwick which compounded 10 fold under Spadt. Let Chief Ford do his job and live with it or get out. There are plenty of folks on the waiting list that probably really don't care who got the promotion "
seniority wrote on January 26, 2008 10:54 pm:
" on the job should not be the basis for promotion especially to a leadership or managerial position-nor the number of hours they've put on paper-those numbers can't define a person's productivity or efficiency (lots of dead wood work in the same jobs for years on end and nothing gets done in those departments).Being a leader is a trait that's complex and job experience is just one facet of leadership- maturity is another one...I could go on....The fact these men are suing suggests to me why the Chief would not allow them to lead.... "
lfd wrote on January 26, 2008 11:49 pm:
" is a joke what a bunch of sniffling babies "
Hjalmer wrote on January 27, 2008 6:46 am:
" Let's see. The fire department has been in the news over the years concerning compensations fights, substandard fire trucks that they didn't notice, a rocky take over of the emergency medical services, and a heavy handed approach to city politics. Many have expressed a desire to change from the old ways of doing things because they haven't worked out too well. Well, you don't get CHANGE by promoting the same old guard that LIKES the way things have worked in the past. I work for a guy that's twenty years younger than I, and personally, I don't think he's as smart as I am BUT he got the promotion. Seniority didn't make any difference with my employer. Why should it with the fire department? "
OmahaAnnie wrote on January 27, 2008 8:12 am:
" I don't always believe that the interview process is fair, since, if the company "wants" you for the job, the interview process can be skewed as it is subjective. The chief probably knew he wanted Pashalek before she even interviewed and regardless of her scoring on the test, he was going to slant the interview in her favor. "
how about wrote on January 27, 2008 8:28 am:
" How about all you firemen shut up and do your jobs. The morale problem you have creadted between the taxpayer and yourself is going to take a long time to heal. Hasn't there been enough problems. If you were big enough your reputation would not have been tainted under Spadt, you would have raise the issues when he was there, oh I forgot he was one of the fair haired boys. "
The Real World wrote on January 27, 2008 8:31 am:
" It goes to show what a sheltered environment these folks live and work in. In the real world, just because you look good on paper does not make you the most qualified. If a person should be promoted just because of hours worked there is something wrong with the system. If a person is hired just because of the best test score there is something wrong with the system. I am glad to see that the promotion included an interview as well. Obviously not all five of these men could have been promoted. It would be interesting to see the reaction of the other four had one of their buddies been promoted who didn't have the most hours or the highest score . . . "
Truth wrote on January 27, 2008 11:18 am:
" Just the way business society is now. If you are with any large company and you have a man and women who are equally qualified. Guess who is going to get the job 9 times out of ten. Oh wait she wasn't as qualified. Never mind sue on!! "
Right on Chief! wrote on January 27, 2008 11:46 am:
" She may have a few hours in this position, but, according to the article she was a 29 yr veteran. We don't know why she never got more hours "covering" and why the others got so many. Doesn't mean she can't do the job, nor does it mean they did a great job. I agree with the one blog that stated maybe she shares the same vision as the Chief. Maybe the others had their own ideas that didn't jive with the chief's. It's had to adapt to change, what with hiring a new chief recently, now this, but guys, you need to get over it. If this incident caused you to sue, I wonder what other pots you've stirred in the past and maybe that's why you didn't get the job! Davis, with you being the most experienced and if you did the best on the test, would you have sued if one of the others got the job and had less hours? Attitude is a reflection of character. Alot of people think the chief should leave. Personally, if these other 5 can't handle the chief's decisions and aren't there to support the chief/dept., do their job to protect the community, then I think THEY need to leave! "
SEEN IT FOR REAL wrote on January 27, 2008 11:54 am:
" This sounds like the new fire Chief has been taking the advice of his Battalion Chiefs, and other members of the bar-B-Q club. Let me ask you this, you have a choice of five surgeons, one with 17 hours of experience and one with 6000 hours of experience, who are you selecting? I’m for sure going with the 6000 hours of experience and I don’t care if they are green, blue, black or white, male or female!! Fire command involves many requirements, skills and abilities. You make decisions that can mean life or death for all involved. While performing these duties you are evaluated and re-evaluated, so by the time you have reached 2,000 or 3,000 hours you are respected and trusted by your peers and supervisors. The current selection has not earned the respect and trust of her peers and has she ever earned that? This is a very serious situation and should not be taken lightly, I think every tax paying lincolnite would be concerned. And to the rest of you want to be promoted employee's, how are you going to be treated the next time a promotion is up for grabs!! "
Cry babies wrote on January 27, 2008 12:04 pm:
" This is funny, boo hoo, I didn't get the job. boo hoo Happens all the time in every sector of the job fields. You guys are probably mad because you didn't get the chief job. ha ha! Or maybe because your favorite didn't get in?! ha ha! Pretty self-centered! "
Mike Lincoln wrote on January 27, 2008 12:42 pm:
" " Maybe Chief Niles should fire these five "captains" for insubordination. Gee, can't handle being outdone be a girl? "
But they were NOT out done by a "girl". The "boys" were clearly more qualified.
Discrimination is wrong even when it is against men, is it not??
"
tex wrote on January 27, 2008 3:54 pm:
" You can't blame a new boss for wanting fresh middle management. All those hours of service equals entrenchment in the status quo- Theres a "new sheriff" in town for a reason. let him do his job by appointing people who will manage the way he outlines, not the old way. "
Russ wrote on January 27, 2008 5:22 pm:
" heroes? lol give me a break maybe in some departments but not at Lincolns fire dept. what rock have you been living under check back on the record sounds more like a bunch of lairs and cheats what a scandalously run outfit who are unable to count to seven. Time has come to get control over the dept. back in the hands of the city and not by the union. put them all on the schedule as the police dept. that will save tens of thousands of dollars to the city in overtime pay. It will also crimp the style maybe enough to drive those out who are there only for the dollar and not because they want to serve "
Vic wrote on January 27, 2008 6:34 pm:
" What a stand up group of officers that were passed up for politics. I am glad to see that they are banding together to battle the true lack of thought that went into the chief's last promotion for B/C. Good luck Captains I would let the money ride on you in court. "
Maybe wrote on January 27, 2008 6:48 pm:
" Maybe someone needs to look at the Fire Department and determine do they really, really need all those chiefs. After all I don't think those chiefs ride to the store in that big red truck. maybe they only need captains with one chief. Bunch of whiners worried about their lavish pensions. Get a really job! "
Major typo wrote on January 27, 2008 7:23 pm:
" She is not a 29 year veteran! "
Female MD to SEEN IT FOR REAL wrote on January 27, 2008 7:25 pm:
" just because you log on 6000hrs on a job as a surgeon doesn't mean you actually performed surgery;when I was in med school and my residency I observed more surgeries than I performed but I could legally count those as "hours" when and where I trained; believe me there were many more students and residents who logged fewer hours than I, but performed more surgeries and complex ones at that-so they had actual hands-on experience! So who would you choose-them or me? Luckily for you and other patients I opted out of surgery as a career and went into being a GP! "
Just Because wrote on January 27, 2008 10:20 pm:
" someone has 6000+ hours doing a job doesn't mean they are good at it. Just because someone takes a test and passes it doesn't mean they work well in a leadership position. LFD needs a change and Chief Niles is making a change. "
Firefighter wrote on January 27, 2008 11:08 pm:
" What happened to the term "BROTHERHOOD" in the fire service. This happens all of the time in the fire service and Lincoln's testing process is the same. You take a written test, score the highest, and do horrible in the interview. Now you are fifth. Same as the promotion and you don't see the person who finished on top sueing Lincoln. Shake hands, pat each other on the back, and congratulate the person on getting the job. If there was that big of problem you should check your union contract on promotions that may take care of the problem. Stay safe. "
Right on? wrote on January 28, 2008 7:05 am:
" Good for the firefighters. Obviously the test was the best measure and since she scored last she never should have been fired. Oh wait - if that's the case, then only one of the men should have the right to sue, since only one could have scored the highest and had the most hours. Hmm - perhaps this isn't so much about test scores and hours logged and more about people being sexist and complaining that every time a woman gets hired it's because of "reverse discrimination" "
Mindful wrote on January 29, 2008 4:32 pm:
" Congratulations Jeanie, I have worked around the majority of these individuals for many years and I would like you all to know she will be a great asset to the administration of Lincoln Fire and Rescue. "
Move On wrote on January 29, 2008 9:44 pm:
" Wouldn't it be in the chief's best interest to hire the best candidate? Chief Niles will ultimately be judged on the performance of the department he assembles. Why would he pass up on the "best" candidate (let alone five candidates) to hire the sixth best candidate?
It's much more likely that the chief selected the candidate that will help achieve the chief's vision for the department. This happens everyday in the private sector. Promotions are a privilege, not a right.
The city hired Chief Niles to make decisions. He made it. Let's move on.
"
RK wrote on January 30, 2008 8:44 am:
" As a tax payer: our dollars need to go to the community, not a law suit. Let people have a chance. We need to stand by our leaders decision and not find ways to undermine them. Congratulations to Chief Ford on his new position. Also congratulations to Jeanie on her position as well. I hope that you two can work together to help make improvements to LFR. Sincerly, RK "
mike wrote on January 30, 2008 9:09 am:
" Lets say number 4 male got the promotion. Would numbers 2 and 3 being sueing over this? I bet not. I know jeannie would not be upset. Life is not always fair. Chief Ford hired the person he saw as the best person. This job is more than taking a test. If that were the case, why even have interviews following the written test? "
Outsider looking in wrote on January 30, 2008 11:13 am:
" As a civilian, I'll never know all of the circumstances behind the promotion of Capt. Pashalek. It's likely that those who are reading this never will either. Most of us are aware that if the tables were turned then there would be no uproar. Should the plantiffs in this case sue. Well, I guess they already did; that's why it's a case.

In the end, what does any of this have to do with the protection of the citizens of Lincoln? I hope all involved can resolve this quickly and then get back to what they were hired to do. "
Sonya wrote on January 30, 2008 5:32 pm:
" Did the LFD forget to tell the Chief the only requirement for the job was to collect a check and smile, allow the union and firefighters (before he got here to run things). The job required a puppet. The most important requirement was someone who would not think for themselves, we will do that for you. Just collect a check and smile. Can you say CHEESE!

I am sorry Chief that you did not get that MEMO, Subject: SMILE. Maybe it got lost in the mail. "
Think about it... wrote on February 1, 2008 1:06 pm:
" Don't forget these are the people that pull you out of a burning building OR save your life in a fatal car accident. I highly doubt that if you were in one of those situations you would look them in the eye and say some of these things. So, hide behind your little computers until you need one of them... "
Interesting! wrote on February 1, 2008 6:54 pm:
" Interesting that the firefighters' lawyer is from Omaha...hmmmmm "

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