NEW HAVEN, Conn. – Today New Haven Fire Chief John Alston released the following statement regarding an internal overtime investigation in the New Haven Fire Department:
On this date, my office was made aware of a potential issue regarding overtime discrepancies. Overtime is reviewed by my office two times weekly: once from the Office of Management and Budget then once again from the Fire Department budget lines. Collaboratively, we look for trends and potential gaps which may trigger spikes. This allows the Department to determine if shifts are properly staffed and address other issues as necessary, with an eye to the safety of everyone in the city as well as maintaining a healthy respect for the contribution of taxpayers.
All overtime entries are tied to actions, events and emergencies. They are logged in the FIREHOUSE Software system and then pushed into the city’s payroll system MUNIS. There have been issues in the past of proper coding of entries, which we have diligently worked to correct.
Since the onset of this pandemic, the New Haven Fire Department members, Staff in Operations, the Fire Marshal’s Office and the Training Division have literally been working around the clock. The New Have Fire Department has responded to over 600 calls which were COVID19 related. A total of 95 members were exposed, 20 have tested positive and in the process, we place them off duty. This creates additional overtime in ‘backfilling’ those positions. Many are working in roles which require them to work odd hours that exceed their normal work schedule. Both their contract with the City and our broader social contract require that they be compensated for providing this life-saving service whenever the call for service is made by a member of our community.
We have initiated an investigation into this matter, and at the initial review, it appears all current overtime activity is justified and approved. Considering all information is logged into the system, we will be able to provide a final report, after working with the Office of Management and Budget to perform an internal audit of our practices.
I continue to be proud of the work by the members of the New Haven Fire Department, and I ask that any reports of potential discrepancies or misconduct be shared with me, Mayor Justin Elicker, the Board of Fire Commissioners, or the appropriate union. It is only together that we will emerge from this global pandemic stronger, smarter, and with greater community resolve.
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