Photographs Leave Many Questions

Earlier tonight WIS reported on Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins appearing in photographs at Club Rust as the club was being investigated for violations which never materialized though they were documented. At question is whether Chief Jenkins was influenced by E.W. Cromartie, the former council member heading to federal prison, to take it easy on the club. Chief Jenkins said in statement that wasn't the case at all and the entire report is interesting because it shows council member Devine complaining about the Police Department after an officer said he saw her in the club. She wasn't there. The issue is making news because of the fiasco at Benedict College where it is alleged the fire department null processed tickets over repeated fire violations. Chief Jenkins, not yet three weeks into the position, is now in a very public position of having his professionalism questioned. The fact is nothing has been proven thus Jenkins is not guilty of anything. Still it puts the department back in the spotlight after a tumultuous end to the previous fire chiefs tenure. It also puts Public Safety Director Mike King back on television with a deer in the headlights look. Asked by a reporter about the pictures King seemed dazed. How much more will come out in the weeks and months ahead? It should also be noted City Manager Steve Gantt said the investigation stood on its own merits. As the senior bureaucrat in charge shouldn't he provide a better explanation since the people pay him a generous salary? Further, if Aubrey Jenkins has been wronged who is going to apologize to him?

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Photographs Leave Many Questions