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    Back to Which Way, L.A.?

    Which Way, L.A.?

    Putting out Fires at the Fire Department

    The former president of LA's Fire Commission has told the Los Angeles Times, " The public just doesn't understand what goes on " in the fire department. Chief William Bamattre was hired 11 years ago to get racism, sexism and homophobia under control, but the accusations continued. Bamattre was replaced today—temporarily--by Mayor Villaraigosa.

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    By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

    The former president of LA's Fire Commission has told the Los Angeles Times, "The public just doesn't understand what goes on" in the fire department. Chief William Bamattre was hired 11 years ago to get racism, sexism and homophobia under control, but the accusations continued. Bamattre was replaced today—temporarily--by Mayor Villaraigosa. Assistant Chief Douglas Barry is an African American with 31 years of service. The job change comes just days after the Mayor vetoed a $2.7 million settlement the City Council made with black firefighter Tenny Pierce, who claimed racist colleagues caused him to eat dog food. City Controller Laura Chick had called for Bamattre to leave after her office audited the Fire Department. Will a minority veteran succeed where Caucasian predecessors have failed?

    The full episode

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    African American Named Interim Fire Chief
    1. 0:00Putting out Fires at the Fire DepartmentYou’re reading this
    2. 0:00Former Head of the Art Institute of Chicago to Lead Getty
    • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

      Warren Olney

      former KCRW broadcaster

    • KCRW placeholder

      Karen Radziner

      Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

    • KCRW placeholder

      Laura Chick

      Office of the Los Angeles City Controller (formerly)

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jim Featherstone

      Los Angeles Emergency Management Department

    • KCRW placeholder

      Jerry Thomas

      Veteran Los Angeles Firefighter

      News

    The full episode

    1 of 2
    African American Named Interim Fire Chief
    1. 0:00Putting out Fires at the Fire DepartmentYou’re reading this
    2. 0:00Former Head of the Art Institute of Chicago to Lead Getty
    Back to Which Way, L.A.?