A captain with the Austin Fire Department has been dismissed following allegations of timekeeping fraud and other policy breaches. Chelsea Caloia, who held the position of the third-highest-ranking woman in the department, was the subject of an investigation that led to her termination.
The investigation was initiated after an anonymous tip was received on July 21, 2025, suggesting that Caloia engaged in fraudulent timekeeping practices while serving as captain in the Prevention Division. Following the report, fire department investigators collected physical and electronic evidence, as well as testimonies from her superiors and colleagues. The findings substantiated the claims of timekeeping fraud alongside multiple violations of city and departmental policies. Consequently, Caloia was placed on indefinite suspension on January 30, 2026. In response to the incident, the Austin Fire Department is implementing an auditing process and revising its policies regarding added time and overtime to ensure clarity across all divisions.
The city emphasized its commitment to ethical public service and the responsible management of municipal resources, reaffirming its dedication to uphold high standards among its personnel.
Caloia’s attorney has publicly defended her, highlighting her 13 years of honorable service to the citizens of Austin as a member of the Austin Fire Department (AFD). Her record includes a lifesaving award and promotion to captain, achieved ahead of many peers. Before her suspension, she was recognized as a leader within the department.
The attorney pointed out that Chief Joel Baker had acknowledged that Caloia’s timekeeping methods were in compliance with the department’s standard operating procedures and received approval from leadership. It was noted that fire prevention inspections for new construction are billed at fixed rates based on building size, rather than the actual time spent on site. The attorney argued that the core issue is not individual misconduct, but rather a systemic practice of overbilling construction contractors for these services. Caloia has previously spoken out against such overbilling practices, reflecting her integrity and commitment to addressing systemic issues.
Furthermore, allegations regarding her off-duty employment and the use of her assigned department vehicle were described as distractions from the more significant concerns at play. The attorney contended that if Caloia had engaged in any wrongdoing, many other firefighters and AFD leaders operating under the same policies could be equally scrutinized. She asserted that Caloia should not be made a scapegoat for broader leadership failings within the department and deserves fair treatment and accountability that addresses systemic issues rather than targeting an individual public servant.
