Shreveport Mayor Issues Statement Re: Fire Department Investigation

Shreveport Fire Chief Craig Mulford remains on paid administrative leave while Mayor Cedric Glover considers the internal report presented today during a pre-disciplinary hearing held at Government Plaza.

The investigation into possible policy violations Chief Mulford may have committed during his handling of complaints lodged against several firefighters under his command ended in accordance with Civil Service rules that require such probes conclude within 60 days of notifying the employee. The Internal Affairs Division of the Shreveport Police conducted the investigation.

Mayor Cedric Glover will ultimately decide what, if any, punishment or disciplinary action is taken against Chief Mulford.

``This is still a personnel matter, but I have absolute respect for the integrity of the process we have in place and will carefully consider all the facts that have been presented in Chief Mulford’s case,’’ Mayor Glover said.

Mulford was indicted in June on five counts of malfeasance in office. He is currently out on bond, pending the outcome of his court case. His attorney has maintained that Mulford, who has been with the fire department more than 30 years with the last three as chief, did not break any laws or violate any SFD policies.

Mayor Glover has not set a timetable on when he will make his final decision on Mulford’s fate.