Firefighters ordered to stop 'physical interactions' after alleged assault

Six months after an alleged assault at an Ottawa fire station resulted in criminal charges against a firefighter and a captain, the Ottawa Fire Service (OFS) has ordered all officers to quell altercations physical relations between crew members.

The email, dated March 21, 2023, from Deputy Chief Dave Matschke to all department captains and lieutenants references an incident that occurred on September 14, 2022 at Station 47 in Barrhaven that is now the subject of a criminal trial in progress.

Former firefighter Eric Einagel is charged with assault causing bodily harm and assault by choking. Einagel was fired following an internal investigation. Captain Greg Wright, who remains with SFO, is accused of threatening to discipline non-binary rookie firefighter Ash Weaver to prevent them from reporting the incident.

The alleged assault occurred while Einagel and Weaver were arguing over the right to do the dishes. The Court heard that young firefighters regularly engaged in such physical competitions for menial tasks to demonstrate their initiative.

During testimony, the tradition was described as a “rite of passage,” and Wright testified that it was a daily occurrence at Station 47.

Ottawa firefighter Captain Greg Wright, right, approaches the Ottawa courthouse on May 8, 2024. Wright is accused of threatening to discipline a rookie firefighter to prevent him from reporting an incident that occurred in 2022 that led to criminal charges against Wright and another firefighter. (Patrick Louiseize/CBC)

Fighting to “stop immediately”

In the email, which was entered into evidence at trial Thursday, Matschke reminds police officers that they have “a critical role in creating a safe and respectful work environment” and “an obligation to prevent violence and the harassment “.

As part of the internal investigation into the incident at Station 47, “we were alarmed to learn that physical interactions, fights, are still occurring over who will do the dishes or do household chores,” Matschke wrote.

“Physical interactions within the station will cease immediately.”

Matschke then asks officers to find other ways to determine who is responsible for mundane tasks, by suggesting rotations, rolling dice, or cutting up a deck of cards.

“This safe environment must include identifying and eliminating inappropriate behaviors, physical interactions such as food fights, phone races, or physical competitions for other tasks,” Matschke wrote.

“Additionally, things like requiring probationary firefighters to be the last or first to participate are no longer acceptable, unwanted comments or actions must be curbed along with the elimination of all forms of hazing.”

Matschke also reminds officers “that when things happen in positions that are clearly not following policies, you're not feeling well, or you have concerns, you need to report them through the chain of command.”

The alleged assault occurred on September 14, 2022, at Station 47 on Greenbank Road in Barrhaven. (Michel Aspirot/CBC)

The “horse” still takes place, says the captain

Asked Thursday by his attorney how he interpreted the email when he received it, Wright responded, “I interpret it as a sense that the Chiefs are trying to cover their asses.”

Wright testified that he had been the target of numerous pranks at fire stations over the years, including putting paper napkins in his pockets and setting them on fire.

“Heckles and dark humor relieve a lot of the stress of the job,” he said.

He also testified that the violence continues despite the deputy chief's directives.

“I've heard that the ruckus is continuing in general,” he said, while adding that firefighters are “nervous about going to work, from the tingling, fearing that something happens.”

Earlier this week, Koert Winkel, who was an acting lieutenant at Station 47 in 2022, called the “hustle and bustle” that takes place among young firefighters a “rite of passage” that helps build “esprit de corps.” among the rank and file soldiers.

In a statement attributed to Chief Paul Hutt, Ottawa Fire Services declined to discuss any policy changes, citing the ongoing lawsuit. (Jean Delisle/CBC)

On Wednesday, CBC asked the City of Ottawa if there had been a change in official policy regarding physical competitions between firefighters since the alleged assault.

In a brief response attributed to Chief Paul Hutt, the fire department declined to comment due to the ongoing criminal trial.

“OFS continues to monitor legal proceedings. We recognize that this is a difficult time for our members and the entire community. Our Department is committed to continuing to improve the culture within OFS and to create a safe and welcoming workplace for all”, we can read. the answer.