Didier Wicht served as commander of the professional fire brigade in Biel/Bienne for 18 years. Then some of his subordinates turned against him. Wicht was accused of abuse of power, poor leadership and conflict of interest. He was suspended for several months.
This week, the city of Biel/Bienne in the canton of Bern announced that Wicht and Wicht had agreed to leave. This happened despite the fact that he was acquitted as a result of administrative proceedings. However, a return was no longer possible due to simmering conflicts. Therefore, a new position was created for Wicht in the public security department of the city hall.
The commander speaks for the first time
In an interview with the “Blick” newspaper, the fired chief speaks for the first time about the opposition from his own ranks of the fire brigade. “I was subject to severe mobbing,” he says. Wicht filed a complaint about committing a crime of defamation. However, it does not explain whether it will withdraw them after the transfer.
The administrative investigation also concerned the issue of mobbing. The authors concluded that the allegations made by the staff were not only intended to point out irregularities, but were also intended to prevent the suspended commander from returning. However, from a legal point of view, there was no mobbing.
However, Wicht receives support from the employer himself. The allegations were reported to the media even before the investigation report was presented, even though the city reminded the firefighters in writing of their professional secrecy. “It was clear to the city: the line of mobbing had now been crossed,” also says René Merz, secretary general of the Security Directorate in Biel/Bienne. The city also filed a report of a crime – due to a breach of professional secrecy.
No consequences for firefighters
Driving out your own boss – For the firefighters involved, this didn't have far-reaching consequences. They were only reminded of their official duties. Wicht, on the other hand, has been given new tasks and in the future he will work in the control department. As he himself says, all this was very difficult for him. Now, however, he looks to the future with new motivation.
