By Glenn Smith
The Post and Courier
CHARLESTON, S.C. — A 37-year firefighter will serve as acting chief of the Charleston Fire Department when its outgoing leader, Rusty Thomas, retires at the end of June.
Assistant Chief Ronnie Classen, 58, will assume the reins while the city searches for a permanent replacement for Thomas, who has served as chief since 1992, Mayor Joe Riley announced Tuesday.
Thomas abruptly announced his retirement May 14. The next day, an independent panel of experts hired by the city released a report on the June 18 Sofa Super Store fire that killed nine city firefighters. The report was sharply critical of decisions made by Thomas and other commanders at the fire scene.
The city has hired Waters-Oldani Executive Recruitment to assist with a nationwide search for a new chief. Riley estimated process will take 90 to 150 days.
Battalion Chief William F. Finley, 56, has been appointed acting deputy chief, Riley said. Finley has been with the fire department for more than 27 years. He served for 14 years as a captain at Engine 8 on Huger Street, and he became a battalion chief in 2003.
Classen has worked for the fire department since March 1971 and became an assistant chief two years ago. He plans to retire when the new fire chief takes office. His retirement has been planned for some time, Riley said.
“Chief Ronnie Classen has served the fire department and the city of Charleston for over 37 years,” Riley said in a statement. “The members of the fire department have faith and confidence in him, and I feel that he will be able to keep the fire department moving ahead as we begin the nationwide search for a new chief.”
Classen said he was honored to be chosen and looks forward to “working with all members of the Charleston Fire Department to continue to heal and move forward.”
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