So when the special grand jury report was released Tuesday, most firefighters just wanted to move on.

"They're glad that it's out, and (hope) it's going to be over before long so we can go on to doing normal business," Deputy Fire Chief Mike Rogers said.

The report alleges former Fire Chief Ronnie Few misused funds, unfairly promoted his cronies and intimidated employees who questioned his authority.

While some think it's another example of micromanagement by Augusta's government, Deputy Chief Rogers said it's another blow to a department that is getting an unfair reputation.

"I'm not saying the report is not accurate, (but) it has ... people believing we are strictly an organization that is haphazardly run," he said in defense of his firefighters. "They don't concentrate on the 95 to 98 percent of the good we do out there, they look at 2 to 3 percent of the bad, and they seem to sensationalize that."

The special grand jury report also alleges that the fire department - under Chief Few - practiced unfair training methods and botched a fire at River Creek Apartments in 1999. Deputy Chief Rogers declined to comment on the allegations but said Fire Chief Al Gillespie will discuss the report after he returns to town Monday.

Despite all the charges, Battalion Chief Mike Weathers said, the men and women in the fire department are trying to keep a professional attitude.

"The firefighters are staying focused on the job," Chief Weathers said, stressing that is his opinion, not an official statement.

"It would be better if we weren't dealing with it, (but) things happen, and you have to move on," he said.

Reach Albert Ross at (706) 823-3339 or albert.ross@augustachronicle.com.