A former lieutenant with the Austin Fire Department is under investigation for allegedly secretly using recording equipment in a fire station’s women’s locker room.
According to the newspaper The American Statesman, the lieutenant was not named because he has not been charged and the investigation is underway. Officials also declined to name which station was involved in the incident.
“All allegations are taken seriously,” said Fire Department spokeswoman Michelle Tanzola. “Chief Kerr, as a female fire chief and female firefighter, would say any allegation that specifically involves a female member of our department causes her additional concern.”
Fire union president Bob Nicks told the newspaper, “I can tell you what is alleged is not by any means pervasive behavior in the fire department. Austin firefighters are serious about creating an inclusive environment, especially for females in a traditionally male-dominated field.”
The lieutenant under investigation abruptly retired as the investigation began, the newspaper reported.
