The separation agreement details an investigation into Davis that prompted the City to place the former fire chief on leave.

FORT WORTH, Texas — A newly-released separation agreement details how former Fort Worth Fire Chief Jim Davis will leave the department and why Davis was placed on leave in the first place.

Davis, who has served as Fort Worth’s top firefighter since October 2018, will step down from the position effective Oct. 31. His departure comes after the City of Fort Worth placed him on leave on Sept. 22. 

According to the separation agreement, “an investigation into a personnel matter” prompted that leave of absence. The separation agreement noted only that a law firm conducted the probe and that it had concluded.

The City will also pay Davis $99,000 to part ways, per the agreement.

On Friday, Oct. 24, the Fort Worth Professional Firefighters, also known as the Local 440, a union representing the city’s fire personnel, completed a vote of no confidence on Davis’ leadership over the department. The union claimed Davis failed to correct safety violations and maintain emergency response standards.

“As a body, the 440 does not believe Jim Davis can lead this department effectively,” the union said.

According to the Local 440, the vote of no confidence was initiated before Davis officially resigned, but went through anyway due to union bylaws.

Tuesday, the Fort Worth City Council unanimously voted to appoint Assistant Chief Raymond Hill as the department’s new interim chief. The City is expected to launch a search for a new fire chief soon.

WFAA has reached out to Davis’ attorney, Stephen Kennedy, who said they have no comment at this time.