Training Or Indoctrination

Mandatory “Training” Was Retaliation, Not Leadership — Firefighters Slam Department’s One-Sided Guest Speaker Session

ST GEORGE, LA — St. George Firefighters are upset following last week's mandatory training session that union leaders say crossed the line from professional development into taxpayer-funded retaliation. Titled “Leadership from the Bottom Up,” the class was organized by Chief of Operations Jason Stubbs and conducted by a paid speaker whose inflammatory remarks targeted unionized firefighters, minimized their struggles, and delivered a message that many in attendance described as vulgar, divisive, and intentionally demeaning.

Delivered over three days at an unofficial cost of $80,000, the speaker was flown in as part of a district-sponsored training initiative that was neither interactive nor educational in nature. Firefighters were required to attend in full dress uniform, while the speaker and Jason Stubbs dressed casually. Chiefs remained in the rear of the class, beaming with excitement. No discussion was had. No questions were asked. Firefighters were simply instructed to sit and listen. “This was not training. This was one-sided indoctrination meant to demoralize and silence,” said union officials. “The department brought in a speaker who openly mocked the fire service, ridiculed firefighters for defending their legal rights, and accused them of being overpaid and ungrateful — all while collecting a generous check funded by the same taxpayers we risk our lives to protect.”

A History of Hypocrisy and Retaliation

Its no wonder Jason Stubbs chose this speaker. Both have hypocritical behaviors in their past. To point, Chief of Operations Jason Stubbs, once positioned himself as a union ally. Years ago, Stubbs was so frustrated by internal pay inequities as a Captain that he approached then-Chief Gerard Tarleton for a personal pay raise, which he received after citing that some of his subordinates were earning more than him. He also played a role in helping establish Local 4524 and even ran for union president — a bid that was ultimately unsuccessful.

Now, as second in command, Stubbs has sanctioned a guest speaker who publicly shamed firefighters for filing the same types of pay complaints he once voiced himself.

“It’s hypocrisy at its worst,” the union said. “He’s climbed the ladder on the very principles he now condemns.”

Highlights from the Speaker's Remarks

During the session, the speaker made numerous statements that firefighters say were not only untrue, but also undermine the professionalism of the department and disrespect the values of public service. Many accusations made include (though some were are too graphic to put here):

1. Attacks on firefighter workload:

• The speaker strongly implied that firefighters spend most of their shift doing nothing and are overpaid for the work they actually do.

  “You sit on your dead ass 21 out of 24 hours and wait for tones to go off.”

  
  

2. Disrespecting the lawsuit:

• The session framed legal action taken by firefighters as whining or unnecessary, suggesting those involved should simply move on or get over it.

“You filed it. Now, you’re going to leave it up to a judge… If you do, great… If you don’t, move the f*** on… Quit complaining about the s*** you don’t have.”

3. Undermining union activity:

• While claiming to support unions, the speaker described union members as disloyal or self-serving, insinuating that solidarity often leads to betrayal.

  “I’m 100% for unions… But the problem with unions is backstabbing…”

  
  

4. Crude humor in a professional setting:

• The speaker recalled using sexually suggestive language in previous workplaces and appeared upset that her union did not defend her behavior when she faced consequences.

  “I had a little monkey in my pocket, a stuffed monkey. I’d tell the guys, ‘You want to pet my monkey?’”

  
  

5. Sexist and inappropriate generalizations:

• Throughout the presentation, there were demeaning characterizations of both women and men in the fire service, reducing internal dynamics to gossip and drama.

  “Women ain’t got s*** on firemen when it comes to gossiping.”

  
  

6. Obscene language about workplace concerns:

• Those who had filed grievances or lawsuits were broadly dismissed with profanity, as though their actions were a burden to leadership.

  “Get the f*** out” and “Don’t like it? Move the f*** on.”

  
  

7. Dismissal of public service ethics:

• Comments suggested that firefighters shouldn’t expect fairness, and if they were unhappy with leadership or conditions, they should quit rather than organize or advocate for change.

  “They pay you tens of thousands of dollars to do nothing.”

  
  

These comments were not delivered in jest. They were part of a structured and targeted presentation, with no opportunity for clarification, rebuttal, or open dialogue. Firefighters were expected to sit quietly and accept the narrative. The speaker praised headquarters as working “100 times harder” than line personnel — a statement that not only ignores the reality of frontline firefighting but actively attempts to devalue the sacrifice made by our members every day.

A Department Already Under Scrutiny

This incident is the latest in a string of controversies facing the fire district’s leadership. The department is currently involved in a legal battle with over 150 current and former firefighters related to pay inequities — a case in which the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeal has already ruled in favor of the union on key points. Simultaneously, the department has drawn criticism for financial mismanagement, questionable audit findings, and the failure to build a taxpayer-funded fire station promised nearly a decade ago.

At a time when firefighters are asking for fair treatment, transparency, and legal compliance, this “training” session was seen by many as a retaliatory message — a warning to fall in line or face further marginalization.

“Firefighters shouldn’t be forced to listen to a speaker tell them they’re lazy, greedy, or disloyal for demanding fair treatment,” a union official added. “We are not overpaid — we are overworked, under-supported, and still showing up every day for this community. And we expect better from our leadership.”

Call for Accountability

Local 4524 is calling for a full accounting of public funds used to finance this training, a formal review of its content and purpose, and an immediate end to any future mandatory sessions that cross the line into political or ideological messaging. “This department was built by the strength and sacrifice of its firefighters. We want MEANINGFUL training,” union officials said. “This was not training, this was a chance for the administration to force a message and shame firemen.”