Another city-union controversy over the future of the fire department escalated at City Hall Tuesday night. Firefighters in the local IAFF union chapter showed up in strong numbers to complain against a change in a Topeka charter ordinance. It would change the procedure for hiring new firefighters, allowing Chief Howard Giles to hire strongly experienced officers from outside the department.

Technically, the language in the ordinance would change the city code to clarify which jobs in the Fire and Police departments are subject to the Civil Service Commission, and would repeal the code section relating to their promotions.

Topeka union chief Kent Dederick says it's always been a tradition for firefighters to start with TFD, stay here, and move up the ranks. He claims it's another way for Giles to "avoid working with his firefighters."

There was no official reaction from the city after last night's meeting.