City hires former fire chief who retired after investigation [Video]

COMMERCE CITY, Colo. — A South Adams County fire chief retired in August after an outside investigation found he created a work environment “fraught with yelling,” talked about employees’ poor performance behind their backs, made inappropriate sexual comments about women, and allowed the EMS manager to tutor his son during work hours with the expectation he would be hired because “the Union owes [him].”

Then, in October, the City of Northglenn hired Kevin Vincel for a Risk Manager position in the HR department. 

Documents obtained by 9NEWS say the South Adams County Fire District Board of Directors was made aware of concerns about the workplace environment in May. The board hired an outside investigator to conduct interviews and review documents. 

Then-Chief Vincel was placed on leave on May 23.

After interviewing more than 20 current and former employees, in June, the outside investigation recommended termination.

“Given the …