In early October 2009, the Government Accountability Project (GAP) conducted and filmed a deposition of Washington, D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin in relation to the lawsuit of former Fire Department General Counsel Theresa Cusick. Chief Rubins testimony about events as he sees them may be eye-opening to other D.C. government officials, the City Council and the public. For example, in his testimony, Chief Rubin refers to the actions of Councilmember Phil Mendelson as disrespectful, voices displeasure at a woman barking at me, and as a firefighter and officer with nearly 40 years experience, claims to be offended by profanities he alleges Cusick used.
Theresa Cusick was forced out of her position as General Counsel by Chief Rubin after speaking out about an Office of Inspector General (OIG) investigation of another D.C. fire official. GAP currently represents or is involved with the cases of multiple firefighter whistleblowers who have alleged misconduct by Rubin and other fire officials. Despite nine years with the D.C. Fire Department, Cusick was transferred by Chief Rubin only two months into his administration.
Highlights of the video include:
•Chief Rubins claims about threats made against him, as contradicted by a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Detective: In the deposition video, Chief Rubin claims that a former firefighter/whistleblower threatened him during a City Counsel meeting a claim that wrongly prompted an investigation, at the behest of Fire Department officials, by the MPD. The detective in charge of the case found no evidence of any threats. This is reinforced by a video of the Council meeting in question, and the testimony of the detective.
•Chief Rubins labeling of Councilmember Phil Mendelsons actions as disrespectful: In response to these threats by the firefighter/whistleblower (which the MPD detective found nonexistent), Chief Rubin further retaliated against that person. Councilmember Phil Mendelson sent a letter of inquiry regarding these actions, asking Chief Rubin to explain himself. Mendelson stated that testimony and the manner in which one gives testimony should not be subject to punishment. Chief Rubin states in the deposition video that he will simply not respond to the letter, strongly stating that Mendelsons action of sending the letter was disrespectful. Mendelson is Chairman of the Council Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary, which oversees the Fire Department.
•Chief Rubins problem with female employees: At one point of the deposition, Chief Rubin makes a questionable characterization of a conversation with GAP client Cusick, in which he described being overwhelmed that this was a woman barking at me.
•Unnecessary and excessive use of profanity in the deposition by Chief Rubin.
•Chief Rubins claims about meetings with GAP client Theresa Cusick, prior to her firing: Such claims are disputed by GAP, and disputed on the video by Cusick.
Duration : 0:10:32
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May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Why can’t you …
Why can’t you substantiate your claim of a “hatchet job”? They certainly substantiate THEIR side of the story with good old-fashioned facts. Where are yours?
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
I think it’s funny …
I think it’s funny how every month I read “Rube’s Rules of Leadership” in Firehouse Magazine. How can a man write articles on how to be a good leader when he is the most hated man in his 2000+ employee fire department? He is successfully crushing every ounce of pride left in DC. I don’t care what Rubin thinks. You actually have to enjoy your job to be good at it. He can’t scare you into being good at it and there aren’t too many guys enjoying coming to work these days.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Chief Rubin conduct …
Chief Rubin conduct should be question in these matters. While he has been away promoting his lecture tour and book, his second in commands are the one running the department, and making questionable decisions. When caught, we here the comment I am responsible, or we take action on the responsible party. Unfortunately, all action it seems is taken against those who question them, or caught them doing something wrong
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
This is an …
This is an embarrassing attempt at a hatchet job on a great american leader. D.C. Fire is lucky to have someone like Dennis Rubin as Chief. GAP ought to be ashamed of itself.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
What a chop job, …
What a chop job, talk about desperation!! Everyone knows if you listen that this is a deposition so Rubin is only speaking what was claimed to be said by the loony Cusick. Why has Cusick been unable to keep a job any where.
FD does a great job in this city and every resident knows that the leadership and FF’s are working hard every day. Sorry Cusick the chickens have come home to roost.
The department has needed some much needed accountability. As a resident I appreciate all that they do.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
DC Fire Chief Rubin …
DC Fire Chief Rubin does not acquit himself well here. I’d sure like to know more about him and how well the DC Fire Department has been managed during his tenure.
May 24th, 2010 at 11:55 pm
Chief Rubin is …
Chief Rubin is sexist and obnoxious. He’s a misogynist disguised as a public servant.