CINCINNATI — Records show an investigation into now-fired Assistant Fire Chief Sherman Smith revealed he sent "confidential" information to former Fire Chief Michael Washington, who is currently suing the city over his termination.

The Cincinnati Fire Department confirmed Thursday that Smith had been terminated after a "lengthy investigation." Smith was first put on paid administrative leave in July, but neither the department nor the local union provided any details about the nature of the investigation.

According to a report we obtained, an investigation into Smith began in June when confidential information shared during a Fire Command Staff meeting was believed to have been shared with people outside of the meeting.

Smith confirmed to investigators that he forwarded multiple emai

See Full Page