Chief Thomas

Does anyone find it interesting that Staff Battalion Chief Tracy Thomas was hired for the position of Battalion Chief of ESU but now currently holds the position of Executive Officer?  At the time the position opened it was stated that there was no officer qualified in the department to run ESU.  Staff Battalion Chief Thomas was hired because of her experience and expertise in emergency services.  She has now been appointed to the position of Executive Officer to the Fire Chief.....  How is this even possible?


The city website defines this as

What does unclassified and classified employment mean?

Unclassified employees serve at the will of the appointing authority. Classified employees have grievance rights following the completion of their probationary period.

 What is going on with this department?  Someone please explain to me how an individual can be hired for a specifically defined position with specifically defined benefits(classified) and within a very short amount of time get a full retirement option(unclassified) and become second(first) in command.