Pittsburgh’s longtime fire chief, Darryl Jones, who was put on administrative leave in June with little explanation, will step down in September.

The move comes “following a review of the financial, operational and administrative management of the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire,” Mayor Corey O’Connor announced Wednesday afternoon in a prepared statement.

Jones, 65, will retire September 16, 2026, after having served as the city’s fire chief for 18 years.

O’Connor’s announcement did not shed any light on why Jones was placed on leave or the specific nature of the internal investigation that was launched.

Last month, O’Connor described the move as a “personnel matter” but provided no details.

“When I took office, I promised the people of Pittsburgh that I would thoroughly review all city departments,” according to O’Connor’s statement. “After a comprehensive review of the oversight of finances and operations of the Fire Bureau, I believe that it’s in the best interest of the city to move forward under new leadership.”

Jones declined last month to discuss the inquiry that sidelined him. On Wednesday, Molly Onufer, the mayor’s spokeswoman, clarified its nature.

“The review was a comprehensive one regarding the administrative and financial management of the bureau, not specific individual conduct,” Onufer said. “There was no investigation, it was a review.”

Jones served as the city’s emergency management coordinator and previously spent two decades with the Aliquippa Fire Department.

The fire chief previously faced criticism for being failing to notify city leaders that he would be out of town when storms struck Pittsburgh last year.

He was attending a conference of fire chiefs in Myrtle Beach, S.C. when an April storm downed trees, tore roofs from buildings, left thousands without power and led to the fatal electrocution of a city resident.

In his statement, O’Connor struck a conciliatory tone.

“I’d like to thank Darryl Jones for his service and commitment to our country and the City of Pittsburgh throughout his career,” O’Connor said. “He is a good man that has done important work for our fire department and the safety of our communities.”

Assistant Chief Mathew Davis will serve as the acting chief until Jones’ replacement is named.