SAN ANTONIO — Charles Hood, who has led the San Antonio Fire Department since 2007, is no longer with the agency after an investigation found he made "vulgar and demeaning comments" that disrespected women, according to the city.
Documents obtained by KENS 5 show the investigation began on Dec. 15 and found Hood said "p**** always wins," referencing women's genitalia, in the presence of male personnel within the last year, though it's unclear exactly when. Eight people were interviewed over the course of the investigation, which was led by the local law firm Jackson Walker.
San Antonio Councilman Manny Pelaez told KENS 5 Hood's conduct was "infuriating." Pelaez said City Council would get a full briefing from City Manager Erik Walsh at a later date about everything that occurred, but said even one incident was unacceptable.
"What I can tell you is that one single instance of this kind of behavior is unacceptable. If it comes out that there are two or three other instances like this, then we are going to be having a serious conversation about what broke down," Pelaez said.
The investigation's findings also say Hood didn't deny making the comments, only saying he "never directed the phrase" directly "to someone in a Command Staff meeting."
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A source told KENS 5 that battalion chiefs were mobilized Wednesday afternoon and notified of Hood's retirement, saying he was given the choice to resign or retire in light of the investigation. Joe Jones, the president of the San Antonio Professional Firefighters Association, told members of the organization internally that Hood "leaves our department in disgrace and was afforded the dignity of retirement in lieu of termination, which he chose to do."
Walsh said in a statement that the derogatory comments were "in violation of the city's Equal Employment Opportunity Administrative Directive, Fire Department Rules and Regulation, and contrary to the city's expectations of him as a leader of the department." City Manager Erik Walsh's statement said Hood admitted to making comments which were "vulgar, demeaning and disrespectful to women" and "disruptive to professional operations."
In another email from Walsh to the San Antonio City Council, he expressed that there had been a similar issue in 2020 and Hood had agreed to new expectations following a disciplinary letter.
"The chief admitted to making comments that are vulgar, disrespectful and demeaning to women and disruptive to professional operations within the department. I directly conveyed my expectations twice before when these issues arose in 2020 that this conduct cannot be tolerated," Walsh wrote.
He also stated "a search for a permanent chief will commence immediately that will contemplate internal applicants and a national search." SAFD will be led in the interim by Deputy Chief Chris Monestier.
Councilman Pelaez told KENS 5 on Thursday that SAFD will continue to work with the same effectiveness under Monestier's leadership.
"The most important thing for me is that nothing interrupt the delivery of services, 911 services, to the public and this won't," Pelaez said.
The San Antonio Professional Firefighter’s Association did not go on camera Thursday but did put out a statement saying it was aware of "numerous allegations" against Hood, adding his staff directly reflect Hood's "influence, character, standards and culture."
"While we are aware of the details culminating in Mr. Hood’s forced-retirement, we believe in protecting all of our members and the dignity of a potentially ongoing investigative process," the association's statement says. "The San Antonio Professional Firefighter’s Association will reserve our right to comment further until we have been provided assurances that all allegations have been thoroughly and professionally investigated."
KENS 5 reached out to the City of San Antonio and asked if the investigation is fully closed, but we haven't received a response. Pelaez said he wouldn't be surprised if the city kept an eye on other members of the SAFD administration.
"I can tell you that best practices is to keep a close eye on this department and the leadership going forward to make sure there aren't any additional problems, and I have all the confidence that that is exactly what we are going to be doing," he said.
Pelaez also said he was impressed by how quickly Walsh addressed the situation.
'Saddened by the whole thing'
District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda said that, from her understanding, Hood may have used the vulgar phrase multiple times.
"I'm thankful that the city took swift action, because I don't appreciate that phrase. But I know there's much more to the investigation," Cabello Havrda said.
She told KENS 5 on Wednesday afternoon she was unaware of the context he used the phrase in, but said it's important he was held accountable.
“I’m disappointed. I’m saddened by the whole thing," she said. "I feel for the employees that had to hear that and may have not felt like they could say anything. Thankfully, somebody did and it was investigated, and now we’re at this point.”
Mayor Ron Nirenberg said he supported Walsh's actions.
"The City of San Antonio should be an equitable, safe and productive workplace, and I will continue to encourage staff to do all it can to achieve that goal," Nirenberg said in a statement. "No matter the department or environment, people will be treated with equal respect and dignity in our city."
A tenure of highs and lows
This isn't Hood's first controversy while leading San Antonio's firefighting efforts.
Hood, the first Black chief to lead SAFD – and the city's first external hire for the position – presided over approximately 1,800 personnel. He was sworn in in April 2007, starting a 16-year tenure in which he would earn fire chief of the year honors twice. The first came in 2010 by the Black Chief Officers Committee, and Hood was recognized again in 2020 by the Metropolitan Fire Chief's Association.
Hood also had to guide his department through tragedy after firefighter Scott Deem was killed in a massive fire at a shopping center in 2017. The following year, a peer review revealed possible flaws in SAFD's response to that blaze; the department responded by changing its practices and training.
In the fall of 2020, investigators determined Hood violated department regulations when he posed for a photo with a naked woman covered in sushi at a birthday party. He responded by developing an action plan to move forward with an emphasis on building a welcoming work environment for women and improving the way complaints are handled.
Hood's biography, which was removed from the city's website shortly after his sudden departure was announced, boasted his accomplishments including doubling the size of SAFD's hazmat and technical rescue teams, along with creating a health and wellness program and establishing a fusion center.
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