Task Force Launched to Probe Bullying in Va. Department

Female firefighters will be among those involved in the probe about bullying that may have been a factor in the suicide of Fairfax County Firefighter/paramedic Nicole Mittendorff.

Mittendorff's body was found in a rural area of Shenandoah National Park last Friday. She was reported missing after she failed to show up for her shift. 

Mittendorff was laid to rest Thursday.

"The department’s preliminary investigation has determined that there was no departmental knowledge of any bullying or harassment regarding Firefighter-Paramedic Mittendorff prior to her disappearance. Working in collaboration with the County’s Department of Information and Technology, it has been verified that no county computer was used to access or post on Fairfax Underground," Chief Richard Bowers said in a statement Friday afternoon.

"The web forum is independently maintained and not associated with Fairfax County government. At this time, the department does not know if the posts were authored by any county or Fire and Rescue Department employee. Investigators are actively continuing with the investigation and using every resource available."

Female firefighters as well as members of IAFF Local 2068 have been asked to sit on a task force that will be looking into the allegations of harassment.

Bowers has said he has zero tolerance for any type of discrimination. “I will hold any county employee or volunteer accountable for these hostile Fairfax Underground postings, which could include termination.”

In addition to the task force, the chief is strongly encouraging fire and rescue personnel to participate in educational programs regarding behavioral health.

Both the IAFF and NFFF have developed programs to help firefighters with the stresses of the job.