Austin Fire Captain Indefinitely Suspended Following Timekeeping Fraud Investigation
An Austin Fire Department captain has been indefinitely suspended following an internal investigation into allegations of timekeeping fraud and related policy violations.
According to reports, Captain Chelsea Caloia, who was assigned to the department’s Prevention Division, was indefinitely suspended on January 30, 2026, after the Austin Fire Professional Standards Office investigated allegations that she falsified time records and violated multiple departmental and city policies.
The investigation reportedly began after an anonymous complaint was received on July 21, 2025, alleging improper timekeeping practices. Fire department investigators collected physical and electronic evidence and interviewed Caloia’s supervisors and colleagues. The investigation ultimately substantiated allegations of timekeeping fraud along with violations of numerous policies.
In a public statement, Fire Chief Joel Baker confirmed the findings, stating that the investigation verified “allegations of timekeeping fraud as well as violations of numerous city and departmental policies.”
Caloia had served approximately 13 years with the department and had previously received a lifesaving award. She was also described as the third-highest-ranking woman in the department at the time of her indefinite suspension (which is Texas-speak for termination).
Officials indicated the investigation focused in part on time reporting related to fire prevention inspections. Reports indicate that inspections for new construction were billed at standardized rates based on factors such as building size rather than the actual time spent conducting the inspection. According to statements attributed to Caloia’s attorney, she believed her reported overtime needed to correspond to the number of hours billed for inspections, even when those hours did not reflect actual time worked.
A disciplinary memorandum reportedly concluded that employees within the Prevention Division, including Caloia, routinely recorded more time for inspections than was actually required. The memo also referenced broader concerns within the division related to timekeeping practices.
In addition to timekeeping allegations, the investigation found that Caloia used a city-issued vehicle for personal errands and medical appointments unrelated to her job duties.
Chief Baker acknowledged leadership responsibility for oversight failures but emphasized that individual members remain responsible for accurately reporting work hours. He also indicated that the department has begun implementing additional auditing measures and is reviewing overtime and added-time policies to improve accountability.
Caloia’s attorney has disputed the allegations, asserting that her timekeeping practices were consistent with departmental procedures and had been approved by supervisors. The attorney also characterized Caloia as being unfairly singled out for systemic issues within the department’s inspection and billing practices.
City officials have indicated that additional auditing efforts are underway as part of a broader review of overtime and timekeeping practices within the department.
