BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. (AP) -- The fire chief here was charged with misconduct by a public official for allegedly misrepresenting how much fire equipment his department had during a March 2002 inspection.
Chief Steve K. Schmidt, 52, who was charged Monday, has been on paid leave since May 5. The city will review the case to see whether Schmidt violated city policies. The city could consider discipline ranging from a verbal reprimand to suspension or termination, spokeswoman Mary Cosgrove said.
A criminal complaint alleges that before an inspection survey, Schmidt borrowed equipment from other fire departments and equipped a fire truck that had been in storage, which then gave the appearance that Brooklyn Park fire stations had more equipment than they normally did.
The survey was done by an inspector from Insurance Services Office Inc., which provides city fire ratings that insurance companies consider in setting premiums for home and business fire insurance.
The charge is a gross misdemeanor.
