Dallas Fire-Rescue Loses Worst Boss in America, as Chief Eddie Burns Steps Down

By Robert Wilonsky Fri., Jul. 29 2011 at 12:40 PM

Hey, that's not me bestowing that particular appellation upon Dallas Fire-Rescue Chief Eddie Burns -- that's from last year's round-up of America's Worst Bosses, where Burns ranked No. 1. You probably know why -- all those sexual harassment and discrimination suits piled up at Burns's feet, which have cost the city millions and counting in legal fees. Anyway. He's out effective September 1.

City Manager Mary Suhm's memo to DFR employees follows. She writes he's going "to pursue business opportunities," identified by Scott Goldstein as the Center City Bar & Grill in Arlington, which looks nice -- Burns certainly appears to be enjoying himself. Suhm has a few nice parting words for Burns, who, she writes, is responsible for some "positive enhancements to the organization" during his five-plus-year tenure as chief. No mention of that other award, though. Chief Burns Retirement Memo

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Mickeyrockwell

DFR has been and will continue to be faced with many challenges. They need experienced and competent leaders in place to prepare others for leadership rolls in the future. I'm not sure how many qualified candidates there are internally, but reaching out to other cities for a Chief hasn't worked well for DFR. Unfortunately, DFR lost qualified candidates during Mr. Burn's employment. Some of these individuals may be worth Ms. Suhm's consideration for her next appointment. Who is qualified to lead the DFR in a more positive direction?

linzheng1

http://tinyurl.com/23963mg

anon

he came from a department that didn't have paramedics as a part of the fire department and never quite grasped how to truly manage one that does. i doubt this is going to negatively affect morale at all.

Helen

Let's get the truth out first. He was hired, as we all know because he is BLACK!!!! He came from a Fire Dept that does not have EMS, figure that out. He was and still is unable to be a leader, the bar business suits him well, BIG SEXIEST LOSER!!!!

Tatertots

Uhhhhhhh............I agree right up to the part where you call him "sexiest". He doesn't do a thing for me.

Fletch

That's a rockin' mustache he's sporting...

I have to wonder why in the world when somebody like Burns (great name for a fire chief by the way) stirs up so much controversy and ill will, why no one does something about it sooner. Are they too proud to admit that they did a poor job of filling the vacancy? If he's bad for morale and costing the city millions above and beyond his salary, what good does it do to keep him around until he decides that it's time to go?

LaceyB

I'd like to "pursue business opportunities" and "Cit" down at some "City Bar and Grill" in Arlington if I were this dong, too. Namely, drinking some cold ones and chasing (prettier) tail w/o racking up violations.