Fmr. fire chief resigns from new job

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) - 10 On Your Side has learned former Portsmouth Fire Chief Don Horton has resigned from his new position as Deputy Director of Emergency Management, months after resigning as fire chief.

Horton had resigned in July and left for Richmond only to be named the new deputy director of emergency management a couple months later. Horton stayed on the city's payroll through the Family and Medical Leave Act through October, although he did not spell out any medical issues regarding himself or his family in his resignation email .

City Manager Ken Chandler then claimed Horton's new job encompassed the job title of deputy fire chief. Councilman Bill Moody and other critics demanded answers from Chandler in two closed door executive council sessions, because the job was not in the city's budget and was not advertised.

Chandler then offered his resignation Oct. 23 because he refused to put in writing what he told city council members on the circumstances surrounding re-hiring Horton. Chandler will be receiving nearly $192,000 in severance.

Horton's resignation comes amidst Category 1 hurricane Sandy approaching Hampton Roads and the East Coast.