Former city officials talk fire department, union tension

The pressure Fort Wayne Fire Chief Eric Lahey has been under with constant public criticism is not uncommon, former city leaders say.

Bargaining talks have led to Fort Wayne firefighters working without a contract for almost a year and union calls for Lahey to be replaced.

Former Fort Wayne Fire Chief Pete Kelly said no chief will please everyone. Former Mayor Paul Helmke said there’s always going to be tension during negotiations, which traditionally happen every two to three years, depending on how long the agreed-upon contract is.

But both said they didn’t deal with the kind of ongoing tension between the city of Fort Wayne and the Fort Wayne Metro Firefighters 124 as they negotiate a new contract. Even so, they said the disagreements at hand can be resolved.

“Sometimes, it just com