Kotraba’s Response to George 

This press release (via myfoxstl.com) was sent to select media yesterday from the acting fire chief:

(October 11, 2007) In response to media requests for a response to an announcement made by Chief George at a press conference held earlier today, Acting Fire Chief Steven M. Kotraba has requested the release of the following statement:

“I understand that Chief George has announced his intent to retire from the St. Louis Fire Department. On behalf of the entire department, we offer our congratulations and best wishes for health, happiness and prosperity. Chief George has dedicated nearly forty years of his life to the St. Louis community and we thank him for his service and dedication. He has touched many lives throughout his career.

With regard to any allegations made against me, or other members of the department, I welcome any investigation. I know that a finding of fact will exonerate me. All members of the St. Louis Fire Department will be accountable for any substantiated wrong doing, but it’s time to put rumors and accusations to rest. The citizens of the City of St. Louis deserve to have a fire department that they can trust, made up of members worthy of that trust.

Later today, I will be issuing some department transfers. Transfers happen routinely in the fire department and have previously never been a point of public interest or information. As it pertains to those transfers, I will, as fire chief, continue to do what is in the best interest of the citizens of the City of St. Louis and the St. Louis Fire Department, including the allocation and assignment of resources and personnel.”