Hastings Fire Chief Resigns

(Hastings, NE) - In a media release from the City of Hastings on Thursday, September 19th it was made known that the Hastings Fire Chief Brad Starling has resigned from his position after the City of Hastings requested an interview with Chief Starling who was being investigated by the city due to concerns brought to the forefront by fire department personnel. 

“Mayor Corey Stutte accepted Hastings Fire & Rescue Chief Brad Starling’s resignation on Wednesday, Sept. 18. Chief Starling was placed on paid administrative leave on Aug. 14. Chief Starling was being investigated due to concerns brought by fire department personnel. The investigation looked into complaints filed against him including the following: Failure to address safety concerns, retaliation against employees and failure to address bullying behavior. As part of this investigation, the City of Hastings requested an interview with Chief Starling. He declined to participate in that interview and subsequently submitted his resignation letter. The City of Hastings does not typically comment on personnel issues but is doing so in this case because Chief Starling chose to make his resignation letter public. Assistant Fire Chief Troy Vorderstrasse is currently serving as Acting Fire Chief.”