Full Coverage: How a report of an LAFD chief deputy drunk during a major blaze sparked a scandal
Allegations that the top administrative commander in the Los Angeles Fire Department was drunk at work during a major blaze provoked sharp criticism within the agency and revived long-standing accusations of racial and sexual discrimination.
Fire Chief Ralph Terrazas’ staff did not file a complaint against Chief Deputy Fred Mathis for three days, even though department policy requires immediate action when a firefighter is suspected of being intoxicated.
In addition, a retroactive entry in Mathis’ timekeeping records listed him as being on sick leave the day he was reported to be intoxicated on duty. The incident occurred on May 18, when the department was battling the Palisades fire. Terrazas and Mathis have since retired.
How the Mathis affair was handled prompted claims that it had been covered up. LAFD officials who represent groups of Black, Latino and female firefighters complained that Terrazas gave Mathis, who is white and was one of two chief deputies in the department, special treatment that is not granted to employees of color and women accused of similar misconduct.
The scandal has led to a review by the U.S. attorney’s office into allegations of corruption in the department.
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The L.A. Fire Department’s top administrative commander reportedly appeared to be intoxicated at work during the Palisades fire, records show.
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The demand for a federal investigation follows a Times report on allegations that a high-ranking white official received preferential treatment after he was reported to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while on duty.
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The announcement by the U.S. attorney’s office comes amid calls by groups representing Black, Latino and female firefighters for an investigation into allegations of discrimination against L.A. city fire employees.
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Deputy Chief Fred Mathis was under investigation for allegedly being intoxicated at work when he accessed the LAFD’s complaint system, according to the department.
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A Times report detailed how L.A. Fire Department leaders failed to take prompt action against a white commander reportedly intoxicated on duty.
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An outside investigation found that Chief Deputy Fred Mathis was likely intoxicated but cleared him through a rationale that has outraged department insiders.
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A city-commissioned report found an L.A. Fire Department senior official was likely intoxicated while in charge of a devastating fire. Here’s what happened next.
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The LAFD and Mayor Eric Garcetti’s office refused to release the investigative report and other records on Chief Deputy Fred Mathis, who retired with no discipline and a $1.4-million payout.
