Aurora Battalion Chief Under Investigation, Placed On Leave

DENVER (CBS4) - CBS4 has learned that Aurora has placed fire department Battalion Chief Chris Henderson on paid administrative leave as an unspecified internal investigation proceeds into Henderson's conduct.

Henderson, the highest ranking African-American in the department, was placed on leave last Thursday, according to Fire Chief Mike Garcia.

"I can't answer that," said Garcia when queried about why Henderson was placed on leave and the nature of the investigation. "We have to be respectful of the process."

Henderson did not respond to a text message or email from CBS4. Henderson has been banned from entering any fire stations or Aurora city property while on leave which Garcia said was standard operating procedure.

Garcia said an outside agency is conducting the investigation which he said was a matter of "best practices." Garcia estimated the investigation would take approximately two more weeks.

Henderson was a deputy chief for Aurora but in February was "reassigned" to the lower rank of battalion chief and was given a pay cut. The department called that a "personnel decision" and declined to explain the apparent demotion.

Henderson has been with the Aurora Fire Department for more than 20 years.

CBS4 Investigator Brian Maass has been with the station more than 30 years uncovering waste, fraud and corruption. Follow him on Twitter @Briancbs4.

Aurora