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Residents and firefighters press Montebello council for independent review amid allegations of retaliation
Summary
More than a dozen public speakers—current and former firefighters, family members and residents—addressed the council alleging a hostile work environment, retaliation and leadership failures in the Montebello Fire Department and urged an independent outside investigation and transparency about administrative leaves and litigation costs.
What happened: During an extended public‑comment period, current and former Montebello firefighters, their family members and residents made sustained allegations about the fire department's leadership and workplace culture. Speakers described departures, administrative leaves, claims of retaliation against those who raised safety concerns, and requests for an impartial outside investigation.
Who spoke and what they said: Fire Captain Zachary Humber told the council he had been publicly targeted by unproven online allegations that an IAFF pre‑trial review board later dismissed; he defended department professionalism and described ongoing specialty program development. Firefighter‑paramedics including Nick Swinging and Marcos Randa said retention and morale have improved in recent years but acknowledged departures and urged continued cooperation between labor and management. Family members and others—including Erica Rodriguez and Isabelle Carbajal—urged the council to authorize a truly independent investigation, arguing internal processes have left unresolved allegations and harmed families. Several speakers asked for public accounting of administrative‑leave and litigation costs and for independent mediation.
Council and staff response: Councilmembers acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns and several — including Council Member Corey Chappelle and others during public comment — urged an independent, conflict‑free investigator with no prior ties to city leadership. City staff and the City Attorney repeatedly noted limits on what can be discussed in public comment (e.g., active personnel matters and confidentiality obligations), and the council indicated they would consider next steps, including whether to direct staff to solicit an independent investigator.
What was asked for: Speakers consistently requested a transparent, outside investigation (selected by the council) and suggested mediation to restore trust. Residents also urged public reporting of how much the city spends on administrative leave and litigation tied to these personnel matters.
What’s next: Council did not take immediate binding action during public comment. Several council members and residents said they expect the city manager, city attorney and council to pursue an impartial review or report back on options that preserve confidentiality where required but provide public accountability.
