A Los Angeles Times investigation found that LAFD union president Freddy Escobar earned about $540,000 in 2022, with massive overtime payouts on top of a six-figure union stipend, even as he criticized budget shortfalls. The LAFD is now reviewing its overtime and union leave policies, while the union faces a separate financial audit from its national parent organization. Supporters argue the overtime reflects critical staffing shortages, but critics say it shows poor oversight and misuse of taxpayer funds. Next steps could include deeper financial reforms, possible leadership changes, and efforts to expand firefighter hiring to reduce overtime reliance.
See "LAFD union head made $540,000 in a year, with huge overtime payouts", Alene Tchekmedyian and Paul Pringle, Los Angeles Times, April 30, 2025