Mayor John Peyton appointed an interim director of the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department on Monday, taking over the department while Fire Chief Richard Barnett recovers from heart bypass surgery.
Dan Kleman, currently the citys chief administrative officer, will run the department for what Peyton expect to be several months.
The decision comes about a month after Jacksonville's Human Rights Commission called for Barnett to be replaced amid what the commission found was a pattern of racial and sexual discrimination within the department.
"I have confidence in the leadership team at JFRD and in Dans ability to lead this group at such an important time in the departments history," Peyton said. "I know that they will continue the work of delivering quality fire and rescue services to the residents of Jacksonville and making necessary changes in day-to-day attitudes and behaviors within the department."
Kleman previously announced his intention to resign from his position effective Oct. 31, but agreed to the mayor's request to extend his service.
One of Klemans duties will be to work with a 15-member group appointed by the mayor to develop a plan to address recommendations included in the Human Rights Commission's report.
Peyton said Kleman will work to ensure that all firefighters and civilian employees will undergo comprehensive diversity training, and that all management personnel receive management training.
"I look forward to working with the department to continue this high level of service while aggressively working toward an organization that is inclusive, diverse and treats every employee fairly and with respect," Kleman was quoted as saying in a statement released by the mayor's office.
Kleman, who joined the city in March 2004, has nearly 30 years of experience in local government administration. During much of that time he has been responsible for oversight of local fire services divisions, including those in Hillsborough County and Tallahassee.
Previous Stories:
- August 18, 2006: Civil Rights Leaders Upset At Mayor's Decision To Back Fire Chief
- August 17, 2006: Claims Of Sexual Harassment Surface At JFRD
- August 16, 2006: Mayor Backs Fire Chief Despite Suggestions To Remove Him
- August 16, 2006: Mayor Rejects Call To Remove Fire Chief
- August 8, 2006: Commission: Fire Chief Must Go
- August 8, 2006: Human Rights Panel: Mayor Might Need To Replace Fire Chief, Top Staff
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