Reports released in firefighters' union dispute

In September of 2014, Bryan Sky-Eagle, who at the time was the Houston Professional Fire Fighters Association president, said he was under attack from within his own organization. He had publicly accused some of his own members and fellow firefighters of threatening violence against him and his family.

As a result, Sky-Eagle resigned as union president but remained with the Houston Fire Department.

After investigating the threats against Sky-Eagle for more than a year, the case is closer to an end. Three independent arbitrators released their reports on the incident.

The highlights in the case included the following findings:

There is no evidence that any firefighter communicated with Sky-Eagle in any matter or took any action against Sky-Eagle.

The City of Houston investigation was cursory at best.

The Office of Inspector General showed bias against the firefighters in favor of Sky-Eagle.

The firefighters' online remarks were nothing more than venting made out of frustration against the then-union president. 

"This one was clearly slanted in Bryan's favor," says Alvin White, current HPFFA union president.

White adds that the three firefighters suspended as a result of Sky-Eagle's allegations will have their records wiped clean. He also says Sky-Eagle's allegations were nothing more than a smoke screen for his own problems as head of the union. 

The former president was accused of failing to return a truck owned by the organization and was facing a internal trial on various allegations.

Sky-Eagle spoke briefly with FOX 26 News and said he could not comment on the case.

The city released a statement late Monday, saying they still may challenge the arbitrators decisions. Janie Evans also says this wasn't a complete victory for the union.  She says the city takes seriously any accusation that an employee may have been victimized.  "As public servants, all city employees have a responsibility to lead by example.  This extends to the use of social media.  Our social media policy is sound and was drafted based on similar policies in effect in other cities.  We continue to stand by it.”