Blazing Scandal: L.A. Fire Union Leaders Suspended Over $800K in Unaccounted Spending

Blazing Scandal: L.A. Fire Union Leaders Suspended Over $800K in Unaccounted Spending

The United Firefighters of Los Angeles City (UFLAC), one of the city’s most politically active labor unions, is under fire—this time not for battling blazes, but for financial mismanagement.

Following a sweeping internal audit by its national parent organization, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), UFLAC has been placed under conservatorship. The audit uncovered over $800,000 in undocumented credit card spending, prompting the suspension of multiple top union officials, including UFLAC President Freddy Escobar.

According to IAFF findings:

• President Freddy Escobar and former Treasurer Domingo Albarran each charged over $300,000 to union credit cards without submitting receipts.

• Former Secretary Adam Walker allegedly transferred more than $80,000 from UFLAC’s charitable nonprofit to his personal account and used it for personal expenses.

• Vice Presidents Chuong Ho and Doug Coates were also suspended for neglecting to enforce basic financial oversight protocols.

The IAFF has stepped in to oversee and stabilize UFLAC’s financial operations. The union, which represents more than 3,600 Los Angeles firefighters, is now operating under national-level control until further notice.

Escobar, who has been a visible figure in L.A.’s labor and political landscape—often clashing with city officials, including Mayor Karen Bass over departmental funding—claims the investigation is politically motivated. He has denied any wrongdoing.

The controversy not only threatens UFLAC’s credibility but also underscores deeper concerns about fiscal accountability in powerful public sector unions. With its leadership suspended and trust among members shaken, the union faces a long road to rebuilding confidence.

As the conservatorship proceeds, IAFF says its priority is restoring transparency and ensuring that UFLAC serves its members with integrity.

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#UFLAC #LosAngelesFirefighters #UnionPolitics #FreddyEscobar #PublicAccountability #FirefighterUnion #IAFF #LALabor #LAFD #UnionScandal #KarenBass #LaborNews #PoliticalCorruption #LosAngelesNews