Baltimore County, MD – Sept 4, 2023  – The Baltimore County firefighter union expressed a lack of confidence in some of the department’s senior officers, citing a toxic work environment, bullying, and micromanagement, reports The Baltimore Banner. Although Chief Joanne Rund received 55% support, a majority of union members were not confident in assistant chiefs Jennifer Utz and Deputy Chief Francis DiPaula. The union calls for changes in leadership practices and workplace conditions, pointing out that unique pension requirements make it challenging to retain and recruit personnel. Department spokesperson Elise Armacost and Baltimore County’s director of communications, Sean Naron, say they are committed to improvement and that Chief Rund is focused on modernizing the department. Despite these promises, union president John Sibiga reports widespread dissatisfaction among members