City officials on Wednesday announced that San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood has retired from his position following an outside investigation that found Hood made “inappropriate and offensive” comments.
“His comments are vulgar, demeaning and disrespectful to women. They are disruptive to professional operations of the department. This conduct will not be tolerated,” City Manager Erik Walsh wrote in a statement on Wednesday.
Later, the office released a document describing the findings of the investigation conducted by outside counsel, which detailed that Hood admitted to using a derogatory term for female genitalia.
According to the document, the complaint was filed in November 2023 and interviews for the investigation began on December 15, 2023.
The investigation confirmed the comments Hood made violated the city’s Equal Employment Opportunity administrative directive and fire department rules and regulations, the Walsh statement added.
Walsh added that the comments were “contrary to the city’s expectations of him as a leader of the department.”
A national search for a permanent fire department chief will start immediately, Walsh’s office said. Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Christopher Monestier will lead the fire department until an interim fire chief is named next week.
Mayor Ron Nirenberg on Wednesday said he supported the course of action that led to Hood’s retirement.
“The City of San Antonio should be an equitable, safe and productive workplace, and I will continue to encourage staff to do all it can to achieve that goal. No matter the department or environment, people will be treated with equal respect and dignity in our city,” Nirenberg said.
The San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association released a statement Wednesday acknowledging the retirement and stating that there have also been “numerous allegations made against Mr. Hood’s administration.”
According to the union’s President Joe Jones, current members of the fire department administration were “all chosen by Mr. Hood” and “represent a direct reflection of Mr. Hood’s influence, character, standards, and culture.”
Jones added that the association won’t comment further until they’re reassured that “all allegations have been thoroughly and professionally investigated.”
“We value exceptional leadership and we look forward to re-establishing an inclusive culture predicated on respect, support, and service,” Jones’ statement said.
Hood has come under fire for violating city policies in the past. In January 2020, Hood posed for a photo with a woman hired to lie on a table as sushi was served from her body for about 200-300 guests, half of whom were determined to be fire department employees.
The city released a summary report of that investigation in November 2020, finding that Hood violated department policies regarding conduct and behavior, relationships with co-workers, and public perception.
Hood had been fire chief since April 2007. He was named “Chief of the Year” by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association in 2020.
