By Tony Plohetski
The Austin American-Statesman
AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Fire Chief J.J. Adame is likely to step down or be fired today, about six weeks after he was told to immediately begin making certain changes in the department, according to sources familiar with the situation.
Adame met with high-ranking city officials late Tuesday and is expected to discuss his plans with them again today. He also met Tuesday night with top Fire Department officials to discuss his plans, sources said.
Adame did not return calls seeking comment.
The discussions come about six weeks after city officials gave Adame 45 days to improve his overall performance and to renew the faith of city leaders that he is “the chief to lead the fire department into the future,” according to a memo to Adame from his boss, Assistant City Manager Michael McDonald .
The letter told Adame to decrease his dependence on Chief of Staff Jim Evans and to make clear to the department’s nearly 1,100 firefighters that he is leading the agency.
“I recognize that it will be a challenge for you to achieve these mandates within 45 days,” McDonald wrote. “Nevertheless, we are on an aggressive timeline to position this organization with an executive team that will lead this city into the future.”
Adame has said that the notice took him by surprise. His most recent job evaluation last fall said he met expectations, the midlevel performance criteria, and did not list any specific problems.
Since the memo from McDonald, Adame has said he has made several changes in the department, including eliminating the chief of staff position and creating a mentorship program.
He released a video message to the department, explaining the changes and telling them that he wanted to continue to be chief.
“The Austin Fire Department is the premier fire department in this country, and I am fully prepared to be the one to lead it into the future,” Adame said in the video. “With the support of the hardworking men and women of this department, I have no doubt I can successfully lead us into the future.”
Adame also said he was trying to be more visible in the community. His efforts included meeting with students at Johnston High School in East Austin.
Adame, who is paid $155,937 a year, was hired in February 2006 after a three-decade career at the Corpus Christi Fire Department that included 18 years as chief.
He has said he is proud of many of his accomplishments as chief, including increasing diversity in the department and appointing a female division chief and an African American assistant chief.
Stephen Truesdale, president of the Austin Association of Professional Firefighters, could not be reached for comment Tuesday night.
He has said that the union appreciated Adame’s work and looked forward to working with him on future concerns.
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