ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — St. Petersburg Fire Chief James Large says the allegations against him of racism and homophobia are false.
What You Need To Know
- St. Pete Fire Chief Jim Large was placed on administrative leave after allegations of creating a hostile work environment, racism and homophobic comments
- Chief denies allegations and has no plans to retire or resign
- Large's attorney has written a memo that responds to each allegation and sent to city leaders
- BELOW: Read the memo
“I want to be completely transparent during this process and for my record to stand on its own merit,” Large said Friday.
Large was placed on administrative leave by Mayor Ken Welch earlier this month after allegations of racism, sexism and homophobia came out of an employee climate survey conducted by the city.
Large's attorney, Jay Hebert, has put together a memo responding to the allegations including a claim that he wasn’t hiring enough minorities.
“If a qualified candidate is available that was an African-American, the Chief hired 87 percent,” Herbert said.
Large says he will not retire or step aside and plans to fight the allegations to remain in his position.
“This where I spent most of my life. I love this city, but it is necessary for my family and I to defend ourselves,” Large said.
Spectrum News reached out Friday to the mayor for comment on the memo sent out by the chief but hasn't heard back.