This blog post digs into the recent controversy swirling around IAFF Local 1066 President Jack Collins, a well-known face in Jersey City’s firefighters’ union. An anonymous email accused Collins of misconduct and hiding legal troubles—claims that city leadership later investigated and dismissed as unsubstantiated.
Supporters of the email say it highlights deeper unrest within the union. On the other hand, Collins and public safety officials insist these accusations are just political shots with no real basis.
Easy booking across hundreds of accommodations from luxury high-rises to unearthed brownstone treasures.
Browse Accommodations Now
The whole situation pulls back the curtain on the messy politics inside Jersey City’s public service unions. There’s a lot more going on behind closed doors than most people realize.
Allegations and Union Discontent
The drama kicked off when an anonymous message landed in the inboxes of Jersey City leaders last month. It accused Collins of not disclosing several legal issues, which is supposed to be required by departmental policy.
The email listed things like thousands of dollars in unpaid parking tickets, plus harassment and reckless driving charges. Two active firefighters and a retired member told the Jersey City Times they backed these claims, seeing them as a sign of bigger problems in the roughly 400-member union.
Some members feel Collins’ close political ties give him a shield from real accountability. That perception seems to fuel even more frustration among certain union ranks.
Find available hotels and vacation homes instantly. No fees, best rates guaranteed!
Check Availability Now
The Case for Collins
Collins, who’s engaged to Councilwoman Amy DeGise, flat-out denied the allegations. He called them politically motivated attacks from rivals unhappy about his win over former president Joseph Krajnik.
He pointed out that both Fire Chief Jack Johnson and Public Safety Director James Shea reviewed the accusations and found them baseless. Court records helped his case, showing most parking tickets were tossed out and the other charges either dropped or never substantiated.
Collins said the harassment complaint came from a personal dispute with a neighbor. Since it was just a citizen complaint—not an official charge—he didn’t have to report it to the department.
Behind the Controversy
Some firefighters think the whole thing is more about politics than real wrongdoing. Collins mentioned his offhand joke at a public event about dunking Director Shea at a street fair—a comment his critics apparently tried to twist against him.
Shea didn’t take offense, especially after Collins explained himself. Honestly, who hasn’t said something that landed wrong in public?
Shifting the Focus
Another flashpoint: some firefighters claim that leadership seems more focused on tracking down the anonymous email sender than on digging into the actual accusations. Critics say this just breeds mistrust and makes the union feel less transparent.
Collins, though, says the matter’s done. He insists there’s nothing actionable in the claims and believes it’s just a small, loud group who still haven’t accepted the last election.
What it Means for Jersey City
This whole episode is a reminder that in public service, politics and personal relationships often get tangled up. In a city as lively and diverse as Jersey City, trust in institutions like the fire department depends on more than just job performance.
For visitors, this union drama is probably just background noise compared to the city’s rich culture, historic neighborhoods, and that stunning waterfront. If you’re looking for things to do in Jersey City, there’s a lot more to talk about than union politics.
The Bigger Picture
Whether you’re here for business, art, food, or history, this city’s still bursting with energy and possibility. If you’re planning a trip, you’ll see plenty of choices when searching for where to stay in Jersey City.
There are boutique guesthouses and high-rise Jersey City hotels with those jaw-dropping Manhattan skyline views. Exploring the unique city districts can make your stay richer and help you see the community’s complexity beyond what you might catch in the news.
When it comes to getting to Jersey City, it’s honestly one of the easiest spots to reach in the metro area. PATH trains, ferries, and highways all connect it to nearby hubs.
Find the perfect hotel or vacation rental. Instant booking, no fees!
View Top Stays
Here is the source article for this story: Rank and File Firefighters Unhappy With Behavior of Union Boss Say Some
Getting Around Jersey City, NJ
Plan Your Stay in Jersey City, NJ
Things to Do in Jersey City, NJ
