Chapter Three
(**this is fiction - all facts and information made up**)
Evan sat straight in a front row chair facing an empty dais in the hearing room. He was early. Punctuality was one of his strengths. He looked the picture of calm, cool, and collected. White shirt, crisp. But if he was being honest, his insides were tied into a knot. He felt fairly confident that he wouldn't be fired. He was worried that all of his subordinates would no longer take him seriously. He had worked so hard to be taken seriously. He was concerned that this would reflect poorly on Violet. That it would hurt her career. He was particularly concerned that the brass would revoke the clinical award she received, from him. He honestly didn't know how well this was going to go, and he was someone who always liked to have control of a situation.
Just as the CFD brass opened a door and began filing into their raised seats, Evan heard the doors in the back of the room open as well. He gave a quick glance but had to do a double take. In came firefighters from 51. First Stella Kidd, then Severide, followed by Mouch, Ritter, and lastly Gallo. They sat down behind him, Stella giving him a nod. He wasn't sure what to make of their presence, but he had no time to think about it further as he turned back to look at the proverbial firing squad and the Deputy Chief gaveling in.
"We are here to assess the conduct of Field Chief Evan Hawkins," his gruff voice barking out as he looked through the glasses resting on the tip of his nose. "It has come to my attention that you are engaged in a personal relationship with a subordinate. You have made decisions that perhaps show favoritism and unfair advantages to the subordinate's firehouse. Field Chief Hawkins, are you engaged in a romantic relationship with firehouse 51 paramedic Violet Mikami?"
"Yes," Hawkins breathed out confidently. Gallo squirmed in his chair.
"Did you express public affection while on duty in uniform?" the Deputy Chief questioned, looking over his glasses.
"Yes," Hawkins admitted again.
"Did you sign a work order to advance her ambulance to the front of the line for service of its heater?"
"Yes, but -," Hawkins wanted to defend himself, but got cut off.
"How many times have you left your field chief duties to work a shift with paramedic Mikami?"
"Two times, but –" again he was cut off, he was starting to feel frustrated, but he stayed cool.
"You approved a paramedicine program that was brought to you by another paramedic at firehouse 51, correct?"
Mouch sat higher in his chair. He didn't think they'd go after Brett's new program in this hearing and was suddenly worried they were going to sink it.
"That program was developed by Sylvie Brett, yes out of firehouse 51, but it was fully vetted by a similar committee and funded on its own merit," Hawkins got that out as quickly as he could before getting cut off again.
The Deputy Chief was silent, as if this information was satisfactory.
"Did you issue Miss Mikami a clinical resuscitation award?" The words hung in the air.
"Yes." Hawkins responded confidently.
"Field Chief Hawkins, this information appears very cut and dry that you have shown Miss Mikami special attention, inappropriate behavior, and conduct unbecoming."
"With all due respect to the panel," Hawkins responded, "I requested this hearing so that I may be heard, and I'd ask for the time to do so."
The Deputy Chief waved his hand for Hawkins to continue.
"Thank you," Hawkins responded. He took a steadying breath. This is where his experience came to play. He was calm under pressure and knew exactly what to do.
"Violet Mikami is one of CFD's best paramedics. I know this from riding along with her, as I have many other paramedics since being promoted to Field Chief. When I am in the field with my paramedics, I learn more about how they operate, and what problems in the system need fixing. I am better at my job, and CFD is better served as well. Due to Sylvie Brett's time off, yes, I have covered more shifts with paramedic Mikami than other paramedics out of opportunity and necessity." While mostly true, he wasn't sure the panel would buy that logic, but still, he pressed on.
"Sir, are you aware of the department's track record when it comes to recognizing female paramedics?" Hawkins asked, knowing the panel had no idea, but he wanted to give them the time to look dumbfounded.
"Um, no, I don't have that information with me," the Deputy Chief looked around as if searching for someone else to have the answer.
"The ratio in the past ten years is one in five," Hawkins waited. "That means that for every five awards that are given out to CFD paramedics for their service, only one goes to a woman."
The panel was quiet. The lone female officer withheld a small smile. Stella Kidd's eyebrows went up as she and Kelly shared a sideways glance.
"Do you know the rate of attrition at the CFD as it pertains to female firefighters and paramedics?"
Again, the panel was silent.
"A female in the CFD is 45% more likely than a male leave the department by age 40. As for retirements in the CFD, one in six are female. If we want more women to stay in the department and continue to serve, we need to ensure that we are recognizing their work. Something that the department has a track record for missing."
Ritter leaned over to Gallo and whispered, "wow, he came prepared." Gallo could only nod in response.
"I was promoted to Field Chief to usher in the next generation of Chicago's finest. You trusted my judgement when you gave me this job. I can't do that behind a desk every day. Now, I saw paramedic Mikami diagnose, intubate, and resuscitate a newborn at a home birth. She deserves that award, no question."
The Deputy Chief took a deep breath. "Okay," he said. "About that maintenance request…"
Evan pulled a handbook out of his stack of materials he brought with him and flipped to a marked page.
"This is the CFD handbook issued by the department. I'll remind you that this was worked on and agreed to by the union. Chapter 14, Section 8 - all service vehicles must be maintained for the safety of department employees and transport of patients. This is includes working lights, sounds, heating and cooling."
The Deputy Chief sighed.
"Furthermore," Hawkins pulled another document from his stack, "a procedural memo dated two years ago, wherein an ambulance without a working heater was pulled out of service on a call that involved multiple hypothermia patients at the scene of a bridge collapse. The memo states that ALL ambulances must have working heaters to respond to calls when the temperature is below 32 degrees." He held the paper in his hand. "Now, I know plenty of ambulances on shifts without working heaters, but I can tell you that it is not the intent of the department."
"So, you're a stickler for the rules now, huh?" the old man grumbled.
"Only wanting the best for all of my paramedics, sir. No matter what house or shift," Hawkins concluded.
"Alright son," the Deputy Chief wasn't up for a fight, "we will deliberate and let you know our decision. You've made your case." With that he gaveled out and Hawkins breathed a sigh of relief that it was over so quickly. He gathered his things and turned as the firefighters of 51 slowly approached him. He gave them a shy smile.
"Hey there," Stella said. "Violet called me a bit worried about the hearing. A couple of the guys and I thought we'd make a show of support. But I don't think you needed any. That was quite the speech."
"Thanks," Evan said with a smile.
"Did you know all that stuff before the award and the maintenance request?" Mouch asked.
Evan looked to make sure the coast was clear, "No," he whispered, "I pulled all the information after we got caught. Luckily, the numbers add up in our favor."
"Impressive," Kelly said.
"I think Violet is at Molly's, we should head there." Stella gestured.
As they left the hearing room, Hawkins looked over his shoulder at the empty space, hoping he was able to put enough out there to save their reputations and positions.
Across town at Molly's, Violet nervously tapped her fingers on the bar while nursing her drink. She and Hermann were along; normally the bar would be closed at this hour. She was unusually quiet. Hermann wanted to offer some advice, but wasn't sure what to say to this young paramedic.
"So…tell me what it is you like about this Hawkins. Sure seemed like a hard ass, brass kisser to me," Hermann said good naturedly, although it was true. His earlier interaction with Hawkins was not a pleasant one.
Violet smiled. "He's not really like that. He's actually quite different once you get to know him. He really cares about being the best he can be. And he wants the people around him to be their best too. He lifts up people once he knows them. He shows up. He gives his time and attention." She paused realizing what she was about to say. "He's a good man."
Violet was gushing, she realized. Hermann wore a knowing grin. "Seems to me that for a guy that was such a stickler for the rules, it must have taken someone pretty special for him to break one."
Violet blushed. She hadn't thought of that before. Yet she knew deep down it must be true.
Just then the door to Molly's swung open and light flooded into the bar. Stella, followed by Severide, Gallo, Ritter, Mouch, and lastly Evan. She let out a breath of relief she didn't know she was holding when they caught each other's eyes. Seeing him with so many people she cared about felt right. But all those familiar faces quickly faded as Evan made a bee-line for Violet and wrapped his arms around her. She instinctively put her arms around his shoulders as he buried his face in her neck. He was spent. Suddenly, she was worried it had gone horribly. She pulled back.
"What happened?" she asked. Her eyes searching his for answers.
"No verdict yet," he said. "They'll call me shortly with their decision." He looked toward Hermann behind the bar. "I could use a drink." Hermann raised an eyebrow and grabbed a highball glass and the Jack Daniels. As he poured, Violet looked to the others.
"I didn't know you all were going to be there," Violet said, looking around at each of them, eyes landing lastly on Gallo. He looked away quickly.
"I think we made an impression," Stella said as she sat down at the bar along with Severide. Violet looked Stella in the eye.
"Thank you," Violet said. With that, Evan turned back around with his drink.
"I know that a firehouse takes care of its own. I grew up in that life," Evan said, looking over the crowd. "I've seen it dozens of times. But I've rarely been on the receiving end. I don't know how the brass saw it, but…" He looked at Violet and put an arm around her waist, "it meant something to me. To us." Violet and Evan shared a sweet smiled as the rest of the group looked on. Just then, Evan's phone began to ring and everyone held their breath.
"It's HQ. I'll take this outside," he said as he kissed Violet's cheek and walked out the back of Molly's onto the patio.
Once Hawkins was out of earshot, Severide spoke up. "Whatever comes of today, you should know, that man adores you." He pointed toward the back door as he spoke. Violet beamed.
"He defended you something fierce today. He's a keeper," Stella followed up.
Ritter came over and leaned into her ear. "I cannot believe you've been secretly seeing Hawkins! We have A LOT to catch up on," his eyes wide with anticipation. Violet couldn't help but giggle.
Hawkins reemerged. Violet couldn't read his face, which scared her a bit, but she steeled herself for whatever came next. Everyone was silent, waiting for Hawkins to speak.
"Official reprimand. Letter in my file. One week suspension. They will assign another Field Chief to 51, but your award stands," he said the last part firmly, looking at Violet. He smiled.
"Okay, not so bad!" Violet thought that was manageable. She was bummed about the removing him from overseeing her firehouse part, but understood why they would do it. She threw her arms around him.
"Ever gotten a rip before?" Hermann asked. Hawkins, arms slowly releasing Violet, shook his head in the negative. Hermann raised a glass, "Well, then. Welcome to the club." It was a pointed jab, but a good natured one. Hawkins laughed.
"So, how did the higher ups find out anyway," Severide asked. Violet and Evan couldn't help but look at Gallo.
Gallo put his hands up defensively. "It wasn't me, I swear! But I might know how they found out." All eyes were now on Gallo. "I was approached here the other night by a CFD guy I know, said he saw you two," he couldn't bring himself to say the word kissing, so there was a pause, "at Med. He said that must be why the ambo jumped the line to fix the heater."
"Damn. So he did see us," Violet responded, looking at Evan.
"What happened at Med?" Stella's voice teasing.
"Um, well," Violet began to say, but Evan jumped in.
"We had just responded to a call where Violet brilliantly assessed a nitrogen leak and called in a level two HazMat response. We evacuated the building and got two very sick patients to Med for treatment. And, well…I kissed her behind the ambo." Evan had no other defense for that one. Violet smiled at the memory, and the bizarre fact that they were sharing this information with others.
"A kiss behind the ambo?" Severide scoffed, "we've done more than that in -," Stella kicked his leg and stared at him to hush, despite the fact that no one was surprised.
"Anyway," Stella said. "It sounds like you two don't have to hide things anymore."
Evan reached for Violet and their fingers clasped tightly.
