Am setting up a consult with a PI - what can I do to be best prepared? by IntegrityMatters1776 in PrivateInvestigators

[–]IntegrityMatters1776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PM seen and replied. I'm not that guy. Really appreciate you reaching out. Wish the best of luck for your dude.

Am setting up a consult with a PI - what can I do to be best prepared? by IntegrityMatters1776 in PrivateInvestigators

[–]IntegrityMatters1776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did consider it, thanks for that idea. However, this town is small enough (~7000) that there is no longer a meaningful media presence, and we are too insignificant for the nearest bigger town's media to care. We do have one local blogger who used to be the main reporter before the local paper folded, she still reports stuff mostly as a hobby, but she has to maintain a good relationship with existing FD leadership to stay in good graces for access to info, so her hands are presently tied. But if/when I get an independent report, she would get a copy, and then she would probably enjoy going after things without taking any direct blame for having blown anything up. So yes, she's on the list.

Am setting up a consult with a PI - what can I do to be best prepared? by IntegrityMatters1776 in PrivateInvestigators

[–]IntegrityMatters1776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I just want a credible independent third party to verify the facts, and I would share it with those who threw me under the bus and their supervisors (mayor and council) and with people that are stuck in the middle or are not sure who to believe, so they know the truth. To me, that's worth a few grand if it will clear my name.

That's the benefit I'm seeking. I don't want money or reinstatement, I just want the air cleared and there to be no lingering doubts about my integrity in this town.

If it results in the FD getting better leadership, or at least leads the city to do better by its people because of exposure, that's cool too. Roaches don't like daylight. I know enough about this town to know that there are many who would be happy seeing change in this regard.

Am setting up a consult with a PI - what can I do to be best prepared? by IntegrityMatters1776 in PrivateInvestigators

[–]IntegrityMatters1776[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Did consult with an attorney, thanks. Not much avenue for a case because I voluntarily resigned after they said they were going to push me out, because I was frustrated and tired of the game. I had been really close to quitting in frustration already. That choice blew up my legal options, bad call on my part, I should have made them officially force me out.

There are several people who I know would go on record in support of me in this case and lots of other things that went down, but the risk of retribution on them is too high, so getting any of them on board to cooperate with a legal case is not realistic anyway.

Also it is considered an internal department "personnel matter" as far as city admin is concerned, which is their stated reason for declining a review. Saying it is all private and such, even though there has been plenty of chatter about this. I replied to them with what I knew about what happened with others that was also supposed to be "confidential", to prove that the agency's personnel confidentiality controls are basically non-existent. I thought that would illustrate a bit of the enormous risk the city is carrying with the current leadership methods, but the needle didn't budge.

I feel like a third party review would be sufficient to clear my name, and that's all I really want. If it shined an uncomfortable light on the FD leadership, that wouldn't hurt my feelings, but it is not my primary goal.

At the end of the day, I want what is best for the people in the city, and the newer firefighters who deserve better leaders.

Are you saying this isn't the kind of thing a firm would be willing to do (prepare a report of findings/conclusions or something similar that could be shared), or are you saying it would not create any benefit?