The Frisco Fire Department fired Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Kraemer on May 1 after he had served 27 years with the department.
The Frisco Fire Fighters Association announced the decision on May 2 via Facebook.
“Regrettably, Assistant Chief Kraemer has been terminated by the City of Frisco after 27 years of service, without being given the opportunity to go through the appeals process and contested case hearings,” the post read in part. “It is disheartening to witness the dismissal of a FireFighter with significant tenure in this way, particularly in a city that prides itself on its care and regard for its employees.”
The post also said that Kraemer went on leave in August 2022 for post-traumatic stress disorder. According to the Frisco Fire Fighters Association, Kraemer filed for workers’ compensation for PTSD in December 2022, citing Section 504.019 of the Texas Labor Code. The department denied Kraemer’s claim. He is appealing the decision.
Kraemer told a local news outlet that he feels he’s progressed, just slower than the department allowed.
“We are still doing everything I can to get me mentally healthy,” Kraemer told Community Impact. “I’ve come a long way.”
The fire department’s letter to Kraemer said his leave of absence was only approved through April 30, meaning it had no choice but to release him when he did not report to work.
The letter, which was attached to the Frisco Fire Fighters Association’s Facebook post, said Kraemer received written correspondence that stated his final extension of leave would end on April 30.
According to Community Impact, Kraemer spoke publicly about his frustration during the May 2 Frisco City Council meeting, stating, “This city has abandoned me.”
City Manager Wes Pierson said the city followed protocol and added that employees must provide proper documentation to meet the legal standards for obtaining these types of benefits.
“As of today, Mr. Kraemer has not chosen to exhaust all of his options available,” Pierson said, per Community Impact.