Many hope interim fire chief will bring unity to Charlotte department

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Charlotte City Manager Marcus Jones chose someone many feel can unite the fire department which has been engulfed in controversy for years.

Deputy Chief Pete Key Key joined the Charlotte Fire Department as a firefighter in 1977 and now 40 years later, he’s in charge of its more than 1,200 employees and protecting more than 840,000 citizens.

The selection signals a restart for the fire department, which has been dealing with a series of controversies.

Sources said Fire Chief Jon Hannan announced his retirement because his job was in jeopardy due to extremely low morale and the handling of the Crystal Eschert trial.

Eschert was recently awarded $1.5 million from a jury that found the city fired her in retaliation for being a whistleblower about a Charlotte fire building.

Hannan’s department has also been criticized from employees claiming it discriminates against women and minorities who seek promotions.

“I wish Mr. Hannan a happy retirement,” Councilwoman at large Claire Fallon said. “I hope he takes it.”

Many firefighters told Channel 9 they view Fallon as their biggest ally.

She said Key is the right pick for the department.

“I think it is wonderful,” Fallon said. “I know (Key) will be fair, honest and the fire department will be treated equitably.”

Fallon expects morale to improve as soon as Key takes over Sept. 1.

“He will level it out because they trust him and like him,” Fallon said.

The city is now launching a search for a permanent fire chief and Fallon still hopes it will be an outside hire.

Eyewitness News reporter Joe Bruno first broke the news on Twitter.

BREAKING: City of Charlotte expected to name Pete Key interim fire chief, multiple sources tell @AllisonWSOC9 and I @wsoctv pic.twitter.com/Mj8jUSWaZK
— Joe Bruno (@JoeBrunoWSOC9) August 16, 2017

Key will work closely with Hannan through the end of August to ensure a smooth transition in leadership.

He was promoted to captain in 1984, battalion chief in 1996 and deputy chief in 2004.

“I am honored and humbled to be appointed as the city’s interim fire chief,” Key said. “I look forward to continuing my ongoing work with our CFD personnel, as well as our work with other city leaders and community members.”

Key was chosen as interim chief for his extensive experience as a proven leader. Key currently focuses on ensuring CFD’s daily operations run smoothly, as well as recruiting top talent to the department. In addition, Key has been active in the community representing the fire department and the city of Charlotte with honor. He oversees CFD’s Explorer Program and initiated CFD’s summer internship program.

“Charlotte is fortunate to have a strong, experienced leader like Deputy Chief Key who can step into this role,” Jones said. “Deputy Chief Key is well-respected in the community and with Charlotte Fire Department personnel.”

During Key’s tenure as interim chief, he will have three important areas of focus:

Enhancing recruitment efforts to encourage increased workforce diversity.
Continuing efforts to create an open and inclusive dialogue among employees, residents and businesses.
Maintaining the world-class response and commitment of all Charlotte Fire Department personnel in support of the safety of the community.

The city of Charlotte is launching a search for a permanent fire chief. The city of Charlotte will conduct an extensive, objective search for CFD chief. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply.

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