Wilmington fire chief gives up carrying a gun on the job

Wilmington Fire Chief Anthony Goode will no longer carry a firearm while on duty, according to a release issued by the City of Wilmington.

Goode voluntarily gave up his city issued weapon after carrying it for about a month on the job. Goode began wearing the gun during an increase of high-profile code enforcement actions, including the shutdown of three clubhouses operated by the Thunderguard Motorcycle Club.

“Chief Goode and other public safety officials put themselves in dangerous situations to protect the public on a daily basis,” said Mayor Dennis Williams in a statement. “While Wilmington policy only allows sworn personnel authorized by state law to carry weapons, the safety of Chief Goode and other public safety officials should be of the utmost importance.”

According to the Wilmington Fire Department’s Facebook page, “No City of Wilmington Policy was violated.”

“While creative reporters may give the impression of some types of wrong doings, in the common expression of the Mayor, don’t fall for the okie doke,” stated the post which was linked to a Delaware Online story.