"I could've possibly prevented a lot of stuff if I would've been more outspoken, right? But that's not the right thing to do. The captains don't want to hear that."
"It's often easier to keep their mouths shut than deal with the ramifications of speaking up."
"They become like your second family. And so I think that loyalty is much greater. Being on the outs can be truly detrimental to one's career."
Firefighters at the Los Angeles Fire Department face a culture of absolute obedience, discouraging them from voicing concerns about safety. Despite warnings about risks during the Lachman fire, firefighters felt compelled to remain silent, fearing retribution from superiors. This silence contributed to the subsequent Palisades fire, which resulted in significant destruction and loss of life. The paramilitary structure of fire departments fosters loyalty among crew members, making it difficult for individuals to speak out against potential dangers without risking their relationships and careers.
Read at Los Angeles Times
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