Oak Grove's fire chief resigned suddenly this week -- before today's expected release of an investigator's report of a March 5 fire that killed an 86-year-old man.
Angry firefighters from Oak Grove say indecision and delay by superiors during the fire may have cost James Verdi Blackford's life. Chief Tony Hennemann, accused for years by Oak Grove firefighters of bypassing more qualified candidates for leadership positions, was not at the March house fire. He did not return phone calls Thursday.
Assistant Chief Curt Hallerman has been named interim chief, City Administrator Chantell Knauss said Thursday. Hallerman was the commanding officer the night of the March 5 fire.
The 23-page report, which was being reviewed Thursday by a city-hired attorney, was to be delivered to City Council members Thursday evening, Knauss said. Retired Edina fire chief Ted Paulfranz conducted the investigation.
City employees were ordered on April 30 not to speak to the media until the report is released.
Hennemann had announced weeks after the fire that he planned to retire next January, which would have marked his 25th anniversary with the department.
Hennemann's retirement became effective on Tuesday, Knauss said.
Paulfranz would not comment on his report, but Knauss said that "potential personnel matters" dictated that it be reviewed by an attorney before the City Council received it. She did not say if Hennemann is mentioned in the report.
