Former Minneapolis Fire Chief Bonnie Bleskachek has been appointed – "made" is the term firefighters use – to the highly sought position of fire investigator.

Fire Chief Alex Jackson appointed Bleskachek after she scored tops in the exam for the job. In fact, Bleskachek's 90.63 was more than five points above her nearest competitor in a field of 17 applicants. She was the only candidate interviewed by Chief Alex Jackson.

Bleskachek began her duties this week. She'll operate out of Station 22 near Lake Calhoun as other fire investigators do,despite a city assurance in 2006 when she was deposed as chief that she'd be isolated from fire stations.. Her romantic relationships with other firefighters and allegations of retaliation were major factors in her downfall as chief.

Bleskachek agreed to relinquish her chief duties after a sex scandal and lawsuits. She was allowed to remain in the department as a fire captain. Despite public assurances by the city that she'd not have a shot at promotion, the early 2007 settlement agreement she signed actually allowed her to apply for fire investigator, as I reported last week.

The posting for the exam labels it as promotional, but city spokesman Matt Laible said the city doesn't consider it so because she keeps her underlying rank of captain.

For some perspective on how thoroughly Bleskachek aced the promotional exam, the next three applicants averaged just under 83 points, and all16 applicants averaged under 72.