Fire Chief Accused Of Bullying, Discrimination Reinstated: St. Pete

ST. PETERSBURG, FL — After being placed on leave earlier this month based on the results of an employee survey, St. Pete fire Chief James Large has been reinstated, Mayor Ken Welch said. (Find the survey results here.)

“Given the lack of any credible evidence that he violated city policy and insufficient proof or documentation of inappropriate statements being made, I have concluded my review of this matter and I am reinstating Chief Large,” Welch said in a video statement. (Watch the full video below.)

The mayor said he conducted “a careful review” regarding allegations made against the chief, though he didn’t share information about the claims made.

• Also Read: St. Pete Fire Chief On Paid Leave After Employee Survey

Welch and his administration interviewed and emailed fire department command staff and firefighters, and reviewed human resource records and exit interviews, as well as the city’s recent employee survey.

“No one had firsthand knowledge or evidence of racial, homophobic or sexist comments from the chief” after speaking with fire staff — both active and retired — of “diverse backgrounds and classifications,” he said. “Even those few who supported a change in leadership had no direct knowledge or evidence of such statements by Chief Large.”

Large has refuted any allegations made against him and sent a formal response to the city via his attorney.

During his 17 years as fire chief, only one employee complaint, which was “determined to be unsubstantiated,” was filed against Large, Welch said. No details were provided about the complaint.

Patch has contacted the city to request a copy of this complaint and the investigation report.

He also noted that there have been “allegations of bullying and intimidation in recent media” and said that the city will investigate these claims “if and when a complaint has been filed.”

Watch the mayor's full statement: