MOORHEAD (KFGO KVRR) – A number of high-ranking Moorhead firefighters are expressing concerns about two potential fire chief candidates, claiming intimidation and hostility.
In an email to Moorhead City Manager Dan Mahli, six Moorhead Fire Dept. captains and a battalion chief say they would not be comfortable with Interim Chief Jeff Wallin and Battalion Chief David Conrad leading the fire department.
The email, obtained by KVRR News, says despite their qualifications, there’s “more to the story.”
The firefighters claim there are “countless interactions of deceit, intimidation, autocracy and hostility,” and how the work environment has allegedly gotten worse. The email does not provide specifics.
Captains Trent Amundsen, David Allen, Eric Berg, Derek Berg, Rick Loveland, Adam Puetz and Battalion Chief Benton Hicks signed the letter, which was sent to Mahli Monday night.
The email says the timing of the hiring process prompted them to write the letter and they plan to provide a more detailed explanation at a later time.
They say they would welcome an opportunity to engage in a larger conversation addressing their concerns.
A spokesperson in the Moorhead City Manager’s office said the city values and supports its employees and is always willing to listen to them. The spokesperson aded that there are policies and procedures in place for employees to share any issues they have with the city.
Moorhead hasn’t had a permanent fire chief since Rich Duysen stepped down in 2021.
