SAN CLEMENTE : Grand Jury Probes Fire Department

The Orange County Grand Jury has begun an investigation of the San Clemente Fire Department based on an unspecified complaint, City Manager Michael W. Parness said Tuesday.

An investigator from the district attorney’s office told city officials about the inquiry last week but would not provide details of the complaint, Parness said.

“It is real vague at this time,” Parness said. “The investigator wouldn’t tell me much, but it has something to do with judgment issues and a possible conflict of interest.”

Neither the investigator nor the grand jury office could be reached for comment Tuesday.

Fire Chief Thomas F. Dailey said his department would cooperate with the investigation, agreeing to allow interviews of its employees and access to files.

“I really don’t know anything more than the fact that someone made a complaint,” Dailey said. “My guess is that it is a former employee, but I’m not sure.”

The San Clemente Fire Department employs 25 firefighters and 10 other staff members. It operates two fire stations, each equipped with a paramedic unit and fire engines.

“We’re using this (complaint) as an opportunity to review our policies and procedures in dealing with the public,” Dailey said. “Hopefully, this won’t discredit the organization.”