The appointment of a new fire chief in June 2021 sparked a fire of indignation in the Bernese municipality of Konolfingen. Because the team didn’t want the new boss.
Among other things, he did not even introduce himself to the troops and was not present at missions and exercises. When the community did not respond to the fire fighters’ demands and even accused them of bullying, the situation escalated – 14 emergency services submitted their resignation.
But that was not the end of the matter. The new year has barely dawned than the next bang in Konolfingen: As the «Berner Zeitung» reports, EPP councilor Therese Schürch resigns with immediate effect – because of the dispute in the local fire brigade. The politician was responsible for the area of resident services / security.
Simply «not boiled enough»
In the corresponding media release from the community it is stated that the resignation has “health reasons”. But in truth, according to Schürch, there is something else behind it. There is a direct connection with the anger in the fire brigade, as she explains to the “Berner Zeitung”.
The constant criticism of the new commanding officer, the constant headlines about allegations of bullying and the mass resignations became too much for her. The question of whether the troops were still operational at all cost them a lot of energy. For such tough political disputes she is simply “too little hardened”.
It is unclear who will take over the post
Since Schürch had to struggle with burnout before, she now wants to be more careful. “I don’t want to experience that again,” she says.
It is still unclear who will take over her post. In last year’s elections, the EPP sent four more candidates into the running – one or one of them may succeed them. That will only be decided after the municipal council meeting at the end of January.
Before the dispute within the fire department escalated, there had been various debates. But it was of no use. The 14 firefighters quit their service – and now the councilor too. (bra)