Cobb remains on administrative lead
Fire Chief Ralph Cobb is on administrative leave from Madison Fire & Rescue Department. RECORD PHOTOS/JFD DESIGN & PHOTOGRAPHY
MADISON – Fire Chief Ralph Cobb remains on administrative leave from his duties with Madison Fire & Rescue Department.
Mayor Troy Trulock placed on Cobb on administrative leave on April 15 because a complaint was filed that claimed age discrimination in a class named “Generational Differences.” Cobb taught the class four months ago.
On April 22, Cobb stated that he remains on administrative leave. “I met with the mayor on Tuesday (April 19), gave him a copy of the presentation on ‘Generation Differences’ (the same presentation I have twice recently made to North Alabama Chiefs’ Association and previously to our department),” Cobb said.
“I also gave (Trulock) copies of emails from four months ago where he knew about the course, its content and who would be attending. He received that information before and after,” Cobb said.
“I have heard that (the mayor) is traveling” this week Cobb said. “Possibly, that’s why we have no resolution. I’m confident I’ll be back behind my desk in a few days.”
“The Madison Record” asked Trulock for an update on April 22. The mayor’s office deferred questions to City Attorney Kelly Butler with the City of Madison Legal Department. “Because this is a pending personnel matter, the City has no additional comment at this time,” Butler said.
Madison City Council President Tim Holcombe doesn’t know how long Cobb will be on administrative leave. “I am not aware of how long he will be on leave or when he will return to work,” Holcombe said. “Neither the mayor, personnel department or city attorney has provided any council member with any detail regarding this development.”
In addition, Holcombe does not know about the charges in the complaint. “I do not know and cannot even acknowledge that the complaint involves age discrimination. I have not seen the complaint and am not aware of any specifics,” Holcombe said.
In Cobb’s absence, Deputy Chief Cary Sadler is acting chief.
