Embattled Chicago Fire Chief Resigns

Chicago Fire Commissioner James T. Joyce unexpectedly announced his resignation Thursday after weeks of turmoil and criticism over alleged racist incidents within the department.

Stepping into the job is Cortez Trotter, director of the Office of Emergency Management and Communications. Trotter is the city’s first African American fire commissioner.

Joyce, who held the post for 4 1/2 years and had been with the department for more than 39 years, said he would leave at the end of the month. He cited family concerns -- in particular, the impending birth of a grandchild and the upcoming wedding of his daughter -- as his reason for leaving.

“I’ve given plenty to this city,” said Joyce, 61. “It’s about time I think about myself.”

Racial slurs broadcast over the Fire Department’s radio frequencies in recent weeks sparked a political debate, and officials said they were determined to find out who was behind them. In addition, the department is under investigation for its handling of a deadly high-rise fire last fall.

Trotter, who has worked as a firefighter and a paramedic, was a deputy fire commissioner under Joyce before joining the emergency communications team. The office is responsible for the city’s 911 center, as well as handling all communications equipment -- like radios and walkie-talkies -- used by emergency crews and personnel.

After the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Trotter was put in charge of coordinating Chicago’s emergency response with the federal Department of Homeland Security.

On Thursday, Trotter acknowledged that there were serious problems within the Fire Department. And although he and Mayor Richard M. Daley said the leadership change was not tied to the race-related troubles, they emphasized that curtailing such behavior would be a priority.

“We have to find them,” Daley said Thursday about whoever was behind the radio broadcasts. “They’re a disgrace. They’re disgracing their families. They’re disgracing their co-workers. They’re disgracing the city.”

Since Feb. 2, there have been at least seven such broadcasts, including one this week. Fire Department officials said some, but not all, of the slurs were aimed at African Americans.

“We must address our human relations and diversity problems,” said Trotter, 49. “To those who wrongfully believe the department is a haven for small-mindedness, offensive behavior and stagnation: We are entering a new era for the Chicago Fire Department. Recognize that for what it is, or be prepared to face the consequences of your actions.”

Trotter’s office has investigated each incident and has tried to determine which city-issued radio was used or whether the transmissions came from elsewhere.

One incident has been linked to specific firefighters. Another was discovered to have been made by someone using a radio that did not belong to the department.

The department also faces criticism for how it handled October’s fire at the Cook County administration building. Six people trapped in a locked stairwell died in the blaze. No one ordered a search of the stairwell during the fire, city officials said.

An investigative panel has heard testimony from witnesses and firefighters. The panel has criticized the department for faulty assumptions, breaches in protocol and communication breakdowns.