The best we can figure out, here is what happened:

 

On January 12^th, Battalion Chief Erik Newman requested permission through Public Works to enter the Old City Hall building and look for office furniture. Battalion Chief Newman is the Fire Department Training Director and was interested in acquiring some modular furniture for the Fire Department Training Center.

 

While inside, he noticed a large group (20-30) people (presumably City employees on a similar mission) removing items from the building. These items consisted of paintings, mirrors, pieces of marble, bathroom and light fixtures, cabinets and wood banisters. With all of this activity taking place, he became concerned about preserving the mural in the old City Council Chambers. He did not want it to be demolished or vandalized.

 

So with the help of a few firefighters, the mural was removed and brought to the Fire Department Training Center. Battalion Chief Newman was later made aware of the mural’s value and that a professional service was being secured for its removal. Apparently, the mural sustained some unspecified damage during the removal process. It was never the intention of Newman to cause any harm to the piece of art work.

 

While the intentions of the firefighters appear to be honorable, they realize that a higher level of authority should have been granted before taking action. Fire Chief Michael bank has apologized for Fire Department personnel creating a situation that could have been avoided.

 

From my perspective, what happened with respect to the mural was a symptom, rather than the problem. There was a significant breakdown (perhaps not the first) in responsibility for management of the City Hall rehabilitation project. The city manager has assured me that this will be remedied.