By KWGS
Tulsa, OK – TULSA, Okla. (AP) The mayor of Tulsa's chief of staff has quit amid allegations his son received preferential treatment at the firefighters training academy.
Mayor Dewey Bartlett read Terry Simonson's letter of resignation at a news conference Thursday. In the letter, Simonson didn't acknowledge any wrongdoing, but wrote that what began as a desire to help his son become a firefighter turned into a distraction for Bartlett.
Simonson and Tulsa Fire Chief Allen LaCroix were placed on paid administrative leave Monday after the accusations arose. At issue is whether Simonson's son, Ryan, was given special treatment during testing and training for the academy.
Bartlett says Simonson will be reassigned so he can wrap up some issues before his departure.
Bartlett says he'll make a decision about LaCroix after a committee finishes its investigation.
Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.