The governing body of San Antonio’s powerful fire union earlier this month voted unanimously to censure department Chief Valerie Frausto over discipline and contract issues, KSAT reports, citing details from the resolution.
The International Association of Firefighters Local 624 — commonly known as the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association — voted to approve the measure during the labor organization’s biennial convention in North Texas, according to the TV station.
Actions taken by Frausto, who took over as chief in October 2024, have “resulted in a substantial loss of confidence among members of Local 624” about her leadership, according to the resolution document obtained by KSAT.
In a statement to KSAT, city officials defended Frausto, saying she still has the support of City Manager Erik Walsh.
“The action is wrong on the merits and has no formal authority,” a city spokeswoman told KSAT.
Among other personnel-related issues, the union’s resolution accuses Frausto of forcing out a firefighter who tested positive for THCA, a non-intoxicating compound found in cannabis, according to KSAT. The union’s contract allows personnel to use the substance if they have a valid prescription, the station reports.
The document also alleges Frausto violated the union contract by approving a policy that lessened protections for employees who need modified duty. Further, it maintains that the city awarded a 15% pay raise to assistant and deputy chiefs outside of the usual collective-bargaining process.
The vote suggests the union’s relationship with Frausto has deteriorated since she took the job overseeing some 1,800 firefighters and paramedics. She’s been with the department since 2000.
When Frausto received her promotion in fall 2024, Firefighters Association President Joe Jones praised her leadership and determination in a public statement.
“We look forward to the possibilities her appointment brings for our community, our department, and our members,” Jones said at the time.
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