Hearing Scheduled for Fire Chief Who Passed on L.A. Riots

WESTMINSTER — A city personnel commission will hold a public hearing Wednesday to consider whether the City Council should allow Fire Chief D’Wayne Scott to come back to work.

Scott, 51, was placed on paid administrative leave May 27 after he refused to submit to a psychological evaluation. Officials had ordered the test because they were unhappy with his refusal to send firefighters to Los Angeles during the riots.

Scott defended his decision regarding the riots, saying he felt that there was not enough police protection for firefighters. But city officials said Scott exhibited poor judgment and ordered the evaluation.

Scott’s lawyer, Richard J. Silber, has subpoenaed about 20 city and fire officials to testify at the hearing, to be held 8:30 a.m. in the council chambers, 8200 Westminster Blvd.