Ex-Chicago fire chief cleared of harassment

A former Chicago fire chief who retired earlier this year amid a furor over an allegation of sexual harassment has been cleared by an independent investigation.

Human resources spokeswoman Connie Buscemi said Friday former judge Patricia Brown Holmes has ruled John Brooks did not violate Chicago's sexual harassment policy. However, she said Brooks' behavior and comments were inappropriate for the workplace.

Brooks was appointed by Mayor Richard Daley in 2008. He was the city's second African-American fire commissioner.

Brooks was accused of propositioning a female fire department employee and trying to have her laid off when she refused his advances. He denied the allegations when he announced his retirement in May.