Embattled St. Petersburg Fire Chief Placed On Administrative Leave

Tampa Bay Times; Published By Colleen Wright

St. Petersburg Fire Chief Jim Large was placed on paid administrative leave Saturday, according to a memo from Mayor Ken Welch, who cited allegations made in an employee climate survey and other information that accused Large of fostering a workplace environment hostile to women and minorities.

“After numerous conversations and feedback received from multiple individuals, along with the allegations made and information received in the Employee Climate Survey, as well as other information received, Chief James Large is placed on Administrative Leave effective immediately,” Welch wrote in a memo addressed to his cabinet members.

Welch also said Assistant Fire Chief Robert Bassett will serve as acting fire chief.

Large’s leadership has been in question since an anonymous sender emailed comments from a city employee survey done earlier this year to city officials, including council members. They included accusations that Large regularly makes sexist, racist and homophobic remarks.

Two City Council members, Richie Floyd and Brandi Gabbard, have called for new leadership. Gabbard, chairperson of the council, said she has been met with“disrespect, bullying, and attempts at intimidation” by Large when she has questioned his direction. Read more