COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Division of Fire Chief Jeff Happ, who faced two disciplinary charges tied to his handling of a fatal 2023 fire engine crash, has submitted his notice of retirement.
Happ had been scheduled to meet with the city’s public safety director, Kate Pishotti, but the meeting was canceled after he filed the notice, 10TV reported.
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Pishotti said an independent investigation found Happ neglected his duties and failed to discipline probationary firefighter Tyler Conners, who was found to have caused the fatal crash. In a letter outlining the charges, she cited neglect of duty and supervisor conduct violations, describing the neglect allegation as performing an assignment “carelessly or negligently.”
The second charge alleges Happ failed to discipline subordinates properly, did not competently carry out supervisory or managerial duties, and failed to enforce city policies, actions that officials said undermined the city’s mission and reputation.
The city hired an outside law firm to review leadership’s handling of the crash that killed 63-year-old Timothy Wiggins. Investigators concluded Happ mishandled Conners’ discipline, calling the hearing “a demonstration for the sake of appearances” and finding he had no intention of holding the firefighter accountable. The report also states Happ referred to the crash and prosecution as “an unfortunate situation” and argued Conners was not guilty of a central work-rule violation because the misdemeanor case had already been resolved in court.
Happ told 10TV it was an honor to serve and said he will retire Jan. 16 after 30 years. A June 8 email showed he wanted to remain chief only if relationships with city leadership improved. The city will continue reviewing the investigation and possible discipline, while assistant chiefs rotate as acting chief in six-week stints during the search for a permanent replacement.
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