Interim fire chief appointed by Riley
Classen to serve after Thomas retires
Ronnie Classen
William Finley
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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."
Reach Glenn Smith at 937-5556 or gsmith@postandcourier.com.
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Comments
This article has 9 comment(s)
Posted by Paul on May 21, 2008 at 7:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Again, we need to publish the requirements for a recall election ...
Posted by desspec on May 21, 2008 at 8:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)
If these two are good enough to do the job, then let them do the job!
Posted by PalmettoHawk on May 21, 2008 at 8:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There are no provisions in South Carolina law for a recall election according to City of Charleston elections office personnel. The only way an elected mayor can be removed is by the Governor of the State. If you want Joe Riley removed for malfeasence, neglect of office or whatever you want to call it you need to contact the Governor's office, by posted mail, email or telephone.
Posted by cfdiaffman on May 21, 2008 at 9:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Mayor Riley said,
"The members of the fire department have faith and confidence in him,
Yet another lie by Riley. What he means by "members of the FD" is, Thomas and O'D. The good ole boys hang on for another day, but the end is near.
Posted by Neponset on May 21, 2008 at 9:54 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't know if Ronnie is any good or not, but he is just a caretaker and nothing of significants will take place on his watch. I hope joe gets someone in here who can make real changes.
Posted by Rebel_Yell on May 21, 2008 at 11:31 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have total faith in Mr. Riley. He is one of America's best mayors and has been for a long time. Like Paterno, he will step down when he is ready . . . but not before all James Islanders give him a big hug. C'mon now everyone, love your mayor . . . . or else
Posted by Neponset on May 21, 2008 at 12:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Rebel
I just don't know how to respond to your endorsement - were you paid to say this?
Posted by eatmorecollards on May 21, 2008 at 5:48 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I think the best thing to do is for the city to anex the James Island Fire Department. It would save a lot of money on a personell search. The city would get a ready made chief and assistant fire chief. The James Island Fire Department has done so much, for so long, with so little, that fixing this mess would be a cake walk.
Posted by toastchee on May 21, 2008 at 6:38 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Blue-blooded Dwarf