The president and two top officers of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s labor union were suspended on Monday after an audit by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) revealed $800,000 in undocumented credit card spending. The IAFF, which oversees the United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), suspended President Freddy Escobar and two others for financial improprieties, including missing receipts.
The audit found that from July 2018 to November 2024, Escobar initiated 1,957 transactions totaling $311,497.58 on his UFLAC credit card, with over 70% lacking supporting documentation. This raises concerns about the legitimacy of $265,862.34 in union expenditures. Former Secretary Adam Walker and former Treasurer Domingo Albarran Jr. were also implicated, with over $530,000 in undocumented transactions between them.
The IAFF appointed a conservator to manage UFLAC’s finances and ensure responsible stewardship. IAFF General President Edward Kelly stated, “The leadership of UFLAC has abdicated its fiduciary responsibilities,” and emphasized the importance of protecting union dues.
Escobar, who has been vocal about LAFD’s understaffing, denied the allegations on Instagram, calling them “politically motivated.” The audit began in October 2024 when the new UFLAC treasurer raised concerns about financial practices. The investigation also revealed Walker’s unauthorized transfer of over $80,000 from a union charity to his personal accounts, which he used to pay personal debts.
The IAFF also suspended Vice Presidents Chuong Ho and Doug Coates for failing to enforce UFLAC policy. The union represents over 3,600 LAFD members, and its financial mismanagement has raised serious concerns among its membership.
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