D.C. Councilmember wants fire chief to step down

Councilmember Mary Cheh is calling on Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe to step down due to questioning regarding the department’s ability to respond to and handle medical calls.

“The agency’s ability to respond to emergencies has been significantly degraded. [Ellerbe] no longer has the confidence of the people of the district.” Cheh wrote in a letter.

The letter was sent to Councilmember Tommy Wells on Tuesday. Wells is the chair of the committee that oversees the fire department.

Mayor Vincent Gray continues to support Ellerbe, and deputy mayor Paul Quander stated that the department is in a better position than before Ellerbe took over. Quander also stated that Ellerbe is the best person to continue to improve the department.