Chattanooga Fire Marshal David Brooks has been reassigned to the position of captain following an internal affairs investigation that found he had a four-month affair with the wife of the former fire marshal, Craig Haney - including once while on duty.
The report says Craig Haney learned about the affair involving his wife, Kelli Haney, a former city employee. He then approached leaders in the fire department about the information, saying he was concerned that Brooks would have input on decisions involving his career.
The report says one sexual encounter between Brooks and Ms. Haney occurred last Nov. 18 while he was on duty on a lunch break.
Fire Chief Randy Parker said the reassignment is an administrative decision "based on a personal matter."
Chief Parker said Deputy Chief Lamar Flint will serve as the interim fire marshal until a permanent replacement is chosen.
He said, "No additional information on this personnel change will be released."
However, upon the request of Chattanoogan.com, the mayor's office released the internal affairs report as well as a stinging letter from Mayor Ron Littlefield to Brooks.
Brooks had been elevated to fire marshal last October. He was named after Craig Haney was demoted to captain.
When he made the Brooks appointment, Mayor Littlefield said he had a number of recommendations to make the promotion, including from a former chief.
He said at the time that while serving as interim fire marshal, "he has done an excellent job."
Mayor Littlefield said Fire Marshal Brooks had achieved the chief rank in a relatively short time.
Brooks has been with the department for 13 years, including 10 years as assistant fire marshal.
Redacted Report
Chief's Disposition
Captain's Recommendation
Letter from Mayor Littlefield