A former Chicago fire chief who retired earlier this year amid a furor over an allegation of sexual harassment has been cleared by an independent investigation.
Human resources spokeswoman Connie Buscemi said Friday former judge Patricia Brown Holmes has ruled John Brooks did not violate Chicago's sexual harassment policy. However, she said Brooks' behavior and comments were inappropriate for the workplace.
Brooks was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley in 2008. He was the city's second African-American fire commissioner.
Brooks was accused of propositioning a female fire department employee and trying to have her laid off when she refused his advances. He denied the allegations and took some time off in March before announcing his retirement two months later.
Former Fire Chief Cleared of Sexual Harassment
refused sexual adDepartment employee claimed John Brooks threatened to lay her off when she refused sexual advances
Copyright AP - Associated Press
