03/02/2026
Two more firefighters have left the City of Lancaster. At this point, we are not just losing employees, we are losing seasoned, experienced, dedicated men who carry years of knowledge, training, and wisdom. In public‑safety departments like fire and police, long‑term employees are the backbone of strong training, mentorship, and operational readiness.
Being a firefighter is not simply “picking up a hose.” It requires technical skill, physical readiness, critical decision‑making, and deep experience that can only be built over time. When we lose veteran firefighters, the entire department loses stability and strength.
Residents of Lancaster, YOU do not have to take my word for it. Anyone can verify this information directly:
Ask the City Manager how many firefighters have resigned in the past year. [email protected]
Submit a Records Request and review the resignation letters yourself. [email protected]
Many firefighters clearly stated that they left due to a toxic work environment.
Meanwhile, other cities are now benefiting from the highly trained men we invested in, men who wanted to serve Lancaster but could no longer stay under the current conditions.
This is happening because City Hall staff, Fire department leadership, and Council have not been willing to address the root issues or take meaningful steps to support and retain our firefighters. The consequences are real, and they affect every resident who depends on a timely, safe emergency response.
Our firefighters deserve a healthy, respectful workplace. Our community deserves transparency and accountability. And Lancaster deserves a fire department that is fully staffed, supported, and equipped to protect us.
If we are fully staffed WHY is there mandatory overtime?
Why do we have to borrow equipment from other cities to run effectively?
Why are their cancer screening programs being limited?
Why can't each station have a red light sauna that benefits them in so many ways?
These are not luxuries; these are a few of the needs that are not being provided.
What can you do? Ask for the proof via open records. Talk to your firefighters, speak at Council meetings, let the staff and council know this is not acceptable.
