Chattanooga: Assistant fire chief under police scrutiny

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

An assistant fire chief of the Chattanooga Fire Department is under investigation by Chattanooga police after allegations against the chief surfaced in the last several days.

The investigation is centered on Assistant Chief Mack Moore, who oversees training, according to department spokesman Bruce Garner.

The nature of the allegations is unclear. Wednesday evening Garner said he did not know whether the allegations were criminal or civil in nature, or whether they were brought from inside or outside of the department.

He said the police were asked to step in because of Moore's senior position in the department.

"As soon we found out there were allegations against him, we asked the police to look into it," Garner said.

He declined to comment further on the matter until the investigation was completed.

Police spokeswoman Sgt. Jerri Weary said Wednesday night she was not aware of the investigation, but said the police department's Internal Affairs Division would likely handle the case.

Jeff Eldridge, president of the Chattanooga Firefighters Association, said Wednesday he was not aware of the allegations facing Moore.

Contact staff writer Kate Harrison at kharrison@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6673.