The fight between the Omaha firefighters union and the mayor's office over the new fire chief has re-ignited.
On Monday, legal action was filed by two firefighters, claiming Mayor Jean Stothert failed to follow city code when she named Dan Olsen as chief. The two men are union members and were finalists.
Olsen was not originally one of four finalists, but Stothert says he became one after one dropped out and another was disqualified.
Fire union chief Steve LeClair says his members are not satisfied with the mayor's explanation.
Stothert's office sent out a statement: "We will defend the lawsuit, filed by two unsuccessful candidates for Fire Chief, and we are confident we will prevail in court."
"The Human Resources Director and City Labor Relations Director advised me of the hiring process which is outlined in the City Charter and city code which I followed. The process is consistent with the way the City hires any position in the "classified service," including Fire Chief, Police Chief and City Attorney."
"During this litigation, Dan Olsen remains Chief of the Omaha Fire Department."
