A San Antonio district fire chief was suspended for 15 days for inappropriate comments he made during a job recommendation for a female firefighter.
According to city records, Chief Douglas Berry made the comments in August 2018, as well as in September 2018 following a Battle of the Badges boxing event, KSAT-TV reports. In both instances, the remarks were said while Berry was on duty and in front of subordinates.
Although the comments were made in 2018, Fire Chief Charles Hood was first apprised of the incidents in April, city records state.
Berry's suspension stemmed from violations that concerned conduct and behavior, as well as relationships with co-workers and mutual respect, according to KSAT. At his disciplinary meeting with Hood, Berry apologized for the comments, claiming he was adjusting to going to desk duty.
Berry was suspended in September, but he forfeited 80 hours of vacation leave in lieu of serving the suspension, KSAT added.
