Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones placed on administrative leave, sources say

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones has been placed on administrative leave, sources tell 11 Investigates.

11 Investigates has learned that Jones has been placed on leave while there is an internal investigation into the operations of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire.

The surprising news is sending shockwaves through city hall.

Mayor Corey O’Connor’s administration declined comment.

The Mayor’s Public Safety Department only released a very short statement, confirming what 11 Investigates first reported earlier in the day.

“Chief Jones has been placed on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an internal review. Beyond that, we cannot comment on personnel matters,” said a spokesperson.

But sources told 11 Investigates that review revolves around operations of the Fire Bureau and Jones’s management style.

Sources say the chief is not accused of doing anything illegal.

Jones has been the city’s Fire Chief for 18 years, and under the administration of former Mayor Ed Gainey was appointed Emergency Management Director with an additional $10,000 salary, but the O’Connor administration took away the title and salary.

They appointed new Public Safety Director Sheldon Williams in charge of emergency management, but without the additional salary.

Sources told 11 Investigates there has been some friction between Jones and the new administration.

Jones also faced criticism last year when he was away during a severe spring storm, and failed to notify city leaders.

He’s also been criticized for spending too much time away from the city teaching at places like the National Fire Academy.

Sources tell 11 Investigates Assistant Fire Chief Mat Davis, who came to the city three years ago after serving as Dormont’s Fire Chief, has been appointed Acting Fire Chief for the city of Pittsburgh.

11 Investigates reached out to Chief Jones but did not hear back.

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