NM deputy chief on leave after alleged tirade

The Albuquerque Journal

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. —An Albuquerque Fire Department deputy chief is on administrative leave while officials investigate an alleged tirade against other members of the department.

Two fire department lieutenants, Paul Dow and Justin Staley, wrote a letter to Chief James Breen asking him to remove Deputy Chief Richard Sears from a safety committee after he went on a "needlessly aggressive, antagonistic and threatening" tirade.

The committee is made up of department administrators and union members and makes safety recommendations to the chief.

The letter, dated July 21, states that Sears made several disparaging comments regarding firefighters' safety, work ethic and dedication.

"I don't care about the (expletive) morale of this department," Sears allegedly said.

"This demonstrative, explosive behavior is counterproductive and not counterintuitive to the efforts of the Safety Committee," the letter states. The lieutenants are seeking a written apology from Sears.

Sears declined to comment about the allegations, saying he had been instructed not to discuss the matter pending the outcome of the investigation.

Diego Arencon, spokesman for the firefighters union, said the safety committee "is probably the most important committee and we will do everything we can to keep it functioning."

Public safety spokesman T.J. Wilham said Sears was placed on paid leave on Monday while officials investigate the accusations.

"What was said or wasn't said is what we're trying to determine right now," Wilham said.

Wilham said the chief will take appropriate action if the accusations are found to have merit. As of now, Sears, who has been with the department for more than 20 years, remains on the safety committee, although he cannot be active while on leave.

Copyright 2010 Albuquerque Journal