ORLANDO, Fla. — Orlando Fire Department Chief Roderick Williams has stepped down after federal officials determined he had sexually harassed and retaliated against an assistant chief, according to a report.
The Orlando Sentinel says the female assistant chief accused him of passing her up for promotions and treating her differently.
She also said he inappropriately hugged her multiple times, and she "could feel Chief Williams physically aroused," according to officials.
Williams, who has been with the fire department for 23 years, submitted his resignation Thursday to Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer, according to WKMG.
"I regret that during my tenure there have been allegations that have hurt the department and the city of Orlando," Williams said in the resignation letter. "While I categorically deny the allegations against me, I believe the focus of the Orlando Fire Department should be on serving and protecting the residents of Orlando and not on my leadership or my position."
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