London fire chief retires amid eruption of workplace complaints

The sudden retirement of London’s longtime fire chief is a chance to properly address unresolved harassment complaints erupting in the department, says the activist who recently made the issue public. London Abused Women’s Centre executive director Megan Walker said John Kobarda’s departure is a chance to turn the tide on a workplace culture that she says permits harassment. “This is a huge step forward,” she said. “We hope this is not the end.”

On Monday morning, the city announced Kobarda is leaving his position, effective immediately. Just last week, Walker went public after receiving numerous complaints from people alleging chronic mistreatment within the department and city hall. Walker said she’s already received messages from complainants who want to see bigger changes to stomp out harassment. City hall’s top bureaucrat, Martin Hayward, has promised a thirdparty review of the harassment investigation policy. Kobarda has been with the London Fire Department for 27 years. He started as a firefighter and worked his way through the ranks, serving as president of the London Professional Fire Fighters Association. He became the fire chief in 2004 and had planned to retire this year, the city statement read.

“It has been my honour and privilege to serve London both as a member and as chief of the fire department,” Kobarda said in the statement.

London Professional Fire Fighters Association president Jason Timlick said the rank and file was told of Kobarda’s departure early Monday. The group released a statement, wishing the former chief well and recommitting to building a safer and supportive workplace in his absence. “We must also be careful not to comment on the timing and circumstances,” the statement posted on Facebook read. “We choose rather to focus on moving forward and making every effort to effect change where there needs to be change, and to work together with the management leadership team to make improvements where we can.”

Lori Hamer will be acting fire chief in Kobarda’s absence. The department said it will be starting the process to recruit a new chief immediately.