Interim fire chief appointed by RileyClassen to serve after Thomas retires By Glenn Smith (Contact)
The Post and Courier
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Ronnie Classen 
William Finley Firefighter CoverageIn our special section with photos, videos, interactives, donation information and every story written about the tragedy.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. |
Article tools |
|
Notice about comments: Charleston.net is pleased to offer readers the ability to comment on stories. We expect our readers to engage in lively, yet civil discourse. Charleston.net does not edit user submitted statements and we cannot promise that readers will not occasionally find offensive or inaccurate comments posted in the comments area. Responsibility for the statements posted lies with the person submitting the comment, not charleston.net. If you find a comment that is objectionable, please click "suggest removal" and we will review it for possible removal. Please be reminded, however, that in accordance with our Terms of Use and federal law, we are under no obligation to remove any third party comments posted on our website. Full terms and conditions can be read here. |
Comments
This article has 13 comment(s)
Posted by Thomas1776 on May 21, 2008 at 6:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)
We still have to force Riley out of office. Never forget that.
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 wpc3iop on May 21, 2008 at 8:35 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Looks like all the "old guard" is leaving..."King Joe" needs to be next!
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 Thomas1776 on May 21, 2008 at 9:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
H. 3877
STATUS INFORMATION
Joint Resolution
Sponsors: Rep. Davenport
Document Path: l:\council\bills\ggs\22065htc05.doc
Introduced in the House on April 6, 2005
Currently residing in the House Committee on Judiciary
Summary: Recall and removal procedures of public officials
HISTORY OF LEGISLATIVE ACTIONS
Date Body Action Description with journal page number
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4/6/2005 House Introduced and read first time HJ-42
4/6/2005 House Referred to Committee on Judiciary HJ-42
A JOINT RESOLUTION
PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE XV OF THE CONSTITUTION OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1895, RELATING TO IMPEACHMENT OF CERTAIN EXECUTIVE AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS OF THIS STATE, BY ADDING SECTION 4 SO AS TO PROVIDE PROCEDURES FOR RECALLING AND REMOVING FROM PUBLIC OFFICE PERSONS HOLDING PUBLIC OFFICES OF THE STATE, A SPECIFIED DISTRICT OF THE STATE, OR A POLITICAL SUBDIVISION THEREOF IN THE EXECUTIVE, JUDICIAL, AND LEGISLATIVE BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. It is proposed that Article XV of the Constitution of this State be amended by adding at the end:
"Section 4. Persons holding public office in the executive, judicial, or legislative branch of state or local governments may be recalled by the people in the manner provided in this section.
*** If I am not mistaken, members of the General Assembly refused to give voters the right to do recalls while many other states do. In essence, I believe they tossed the bill; likely because they don't want people moving to have them replaced between elections when they are unhappy with them. Like many, people tend to forget with passage of time. But for Riley, I don't think anyone is going to forget all of his lying and twisting this time around. Consider him washed up as he falls in flames.
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 seriouslyb4real on May 21, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)
This guy must be one of joe rileys friends, we will see where this goes, but riley should be canned
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