Fire union votes 'no confidence' in chief; Spencer resigns

The city of Auburn released news Friday afternoon that Fire Chief Dave Spencer announced his resignation. The news comes on the heels of a "vote of no confidence" from the local firefighters union. According to a press release from the Auburn City Firefighters Union Local 4110, the union membership took a vote of no confidence on Aug. 2 - about two and a half weeks before the city's announcement of Spencer's resignation. "Additionally, an overwhelming majority of the membership declared that Chief Spencer's incompetence, absence, and failure to communicate negatively impacts the morale, efficiency and safety of the department and its ability to serve the community," the press release stated. The city's press release stated Spencer had "intent to pursue other opportunities in community service" and that this resignation would be effective Aug. 29. Despite the effective resignation date, the Auburn City Fire Department had been operating with an "acting" fire chief for at least a week. City Manager Sean Rabé said Spencer was out of the office, which is why there was an acting fire chief. As of Monday, Rabé said Spencer continues to be out of the office and Battalion Chief John Rogers is Acting Fire Chief. The Auburn City Fire Department has been plagued recently with high turnover and most recently lost a battalion chief with more than 16 years of experience to a nearby agency. The city also recently froze four firefighter positions. Asked to comment for this story, Spencer told the Auburn Journal he would comment after the story is published. The city's press release lauded Spencer's achievements while serving the city and highlighted that he initiated several high-profile community risk reduction programs that impacted the area's wildfire risk. The efforts included managing the Bureau of Reclamation shaded fuel break, an inspection program that complied with state mandates, increasing staffing, opening Station 3 and increasing service to the community. The city press release also noted Spencer revitalized the department's training and development program and secured $2 million in various grants for the department. "The city thanks Chief Spencer for his hard work and dedication to the community, the firefighters, and the region while reducing risk and improving service delivery," Mayor Alice Dowdin Calvillo said. "We wish Chief Spencer the best as he continues to pursue opportunities in community service." Rabé said he could not comment on anything outside of what was in the press release. The union stated it is committed to continue serving the city of Auburn. "Local 4110 believes this change in leadership will foster improved morale, efficiency and safety in the department," the union press release stated. "With hope and confidence, Local 4110 looks forward to continued collaboration with the city and interim chief as they all strive to build up and protect the community."