City of San Antonio Statement Regarding Fire Chief’s Retirement

Published on January 03, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (January 3, 2024) – San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh issued the following statement regarding San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood’s retirement. 

“Today, Chief Hood retired from his position with the City of San Antonio. His retirement follows an investigation that confirmed inappropriate and offensive comments made by him in violation of the City’s Equal Employment Opportunity Administrative Directive, Fire Department Rules and Regulations and contrary to the City's expectations of him as a leader of the department. 

The investigation was conducted as a result of the City Manager’s Office learning of potential inappropriate comments made by the Chief. 

The City retained outside counsel, Rick Garza, with the law firm of Jackson Walker to conduct the investigation. During the investigation, Chief Hood admitted to making the comments. His comments are vulgar, demeaning and disrespectful to women. They are disruptive to professional operations of the department. This conduct will not be tolerated.

Deputy Chief Christopher Monestier will oversee the Fire Department while I have an opportunity to meet with the Command Staff and name an interim Fire Chief by next week. A national search for a permanent Fire Department Chief will commence immediately. The search will contemplate internal and external applicants.”