Let's Play "Where's the Chief?"

 

Only three days ago, we commented on the lack of diversity in City of Florence departments. At that time we mentioned the one Black department head, Fire Chief Jeffrey Perkins. Yes, we knew that rumors had been swirling around the FFD and problems concerning Mayor Andy Betterton. Now a former human resources employee has publicly stated this:

They (have) been keeping it secret the Fire Chief has NOT been there in months using sick leave until ?!?? Retired or Dismissed? Over 100 employees each in Fire & Police yet not one public acknowledgment and employees guessing where the heck is the Chief! Yet the old timers calm the younger employees with quietly it's how it's worked for decades. Over 30 open Firefighter positions!

If Chief Perkins is ill, we wish him our best. If he is no longer in favor with our mercurial mayor, we wish him luck with whatever legal actions he seeks to take. We'll follow this story in days to come.