Flint Fire Chief Raymond Barton has been terminated amid controversy surrounding a deadly house fire in May.
Two youths died of smoke inhalation days after the fire, and the firefighters who reportedly claimed there was no one in the house are no longer with the department, WNEM reported.
Barton said two firefighters gave the all-clear while the boys were still inside the burning home and they were found six minutes later. He wanted to suspend the crew without pay but he claims Mayor Sheldon Neeley wanted them suspended with pay.
Barton came to his decision after his investigation revealed the firefighters fabricated and lied in their report, according to the station.
He told a reporter he is adamant he knows why the mayor wanted him gone.
“I’m fired because I feel I wouldn’t lie about the incident on Pulaski,” he stated.
The incident has taken its toll on the chief. “I know it’s only going to be worse for me. But like I said, I’m tired. I lost over 20 pounds since August. It ain’t because I’ve been working out or changed my eating habits. It’s because I’ve been stressed out.”
The city said in a statement to TV5, “We categorically deny that this personnel change was done in retaliation. We are focused on maintaining the safety of our community, and we will not debate staffing issues that fall under the mayor’s purview per the charter.”
