Although personnel problems and financial impropriety are discussed at length in the grand jury's report on fire department operations, released earlier this month, the city's 12-page reply avoids commenting on either topic.

"It is highly inappropriate and unprofessional to publicly deliberate or engage in discussions involving personnel matters," the response states. It also says the grand jury report "impugns the integrity of the fire department."

The government's response focuses mostly on what already is being done to increase department efficiency, including better training programs, new capital improvement projects and increased staffing levels.

"I think this administration and the fire department needed to respond to (the report)," said City Administrator George Kolb, who signed off on the report and issued it to commissioners Monday. "This is to give our perspective."

Subpar fire stations, short-staffed engine companies and improved promotional practices already are being addressed through ongoing capital improvements and revamped personnel policies, the city response says.

Grand jurors' recommendations that related to specific employees and jobs were answered by the city with the statement, "Personnel issues addressed by the (grand jury) report will be discussed, but not addressed by this report."

Fire Chief Al Gillespie endorsed that stance.

"Personnel issues certainly are things that belong inside the organization, not out in the public air," he said Monday afternoon.

Mr. Kolb said although the presentment validated some things he already knew, it also highlighted grand jurors' disdain for some accepted practices, including firefighters skipping ranks and the employment of a public information officer.

Grand jurors blasted former Fire Chief Ronnie Few for promoting Carl Scott from captain to deputy chief.

But Chief Gillespie said he also skipped ranks during his ascent of the promotional ladder - including the position of lieutenant to become a captain and the rank of deputy chief to become a chief.

"Was it difficult? Yes," Chief Gillespie said in the response, which he wrote. "Nearly impossible? No."

Reach Heidi Coryell Williams at (706) 823-3215 or heidi.williams@augustachronicle.com.