Reports: D.C. fire chief Ellerbe to step down

WASHINGTON — D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe will step down next month, according to media reports.

Ellerbe’s term as chief has been notable for issues involving the city’s emergency services, including the death in January of Cecil Mills outside a Northeast fire station after firefighters refused to help him.

Other incidents that drew criticism included an ambulance on White House duty running out of gas and a D.C. police officer who had to wait for an ambulance from Prince George’s County because no D.C. units were unavailable.

Ellerbe tells the Washington Post he was not forced out of his position. A department spokesperson says Assistant Chief Eugene Jones will be the interim chief until a permanent replacement is found.

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