:quality(80)/cdn-kiosk-api.telegraaf.nl/6df35ae6-da5e-11eb-bfef-0218eaf05005.jpg "Extinguishing Hells Angel can get back to work | Inland")
The internal website of the Amsterdam-Amstelland (BAA) Fire Brigade states that the dismissal has been reversed and that the current commander Tijs van Lieshout has contacted the firefighter.
Borrow Sheep
Under the previous fire chief Leen Schaap, who was appointed in May 2016, a true reign of terror was instituted at BAA. Not only were the rules tightened, but every irregularity was fought out in court almost immediately.
Several firefighters and even former firefighters, who defended their former colleagues, had to answer to the Amsterdam court. This led to increased absenteeism within the force. Many spoke of a ‘disturbed atmosphere’.
Motor club board position
The firefighter, who was also a member of the Hells Angels, also held his ground and had to appear in court. He had a board position at the motorcycle club as Road Captain. He had been with the fire service for over 25 years and there was no criticism of his performance.
However, former fire chief Leen Schaap found membership of a motorcycle club incompatible with his duties as chief fire watch within the Amsterdam Corps. He felt that the firefighter’s integrity was at stake.
Back to work
The highest national administrative court, De Centrale Raad van Beroep, now rules that the investigation by the Amsterdam-Amstelland Security Region into the backgrounds and circumstances of Hells Angels membership was not sufficient in the run-up to the application for dismissal. The resignation has been reversed. The firefighter is allowed back to work at BAA.
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Fire chief Tijs van Lieshout.
Ⓒ Netherlands Fire Brigade
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In May 2019, Femke Halsema decided to fire Leen Schaap. Under his leadership, the rules were tightened up in a positive way, but she recently indicated to ‘College Tour’ that the conflicts were running so high within the fire service that an unworkable situation arose. The litigation between the commander and his men – back and forth – was a thorn in her side. Today, Tijs van Lieshout is the boss of the Amsterdam fire brigade.
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