Boston Fire Chief Resigns After Criticism Over Bombing Role

Boston's fire chief is resigning and is citing criticism from deputies for his response to the marathon bombings.

In a letter dated Monday, Chief Steve Abraira says his resignation is effective Friday.

Thirteen deputies had complained to Mayor Tom Menino in a letter that Abraira's failure to take command of the bombing scene was indefensible and part of a pattern of shirking leadership.

Abraira says those "baseless attacks" compelled him to step down. He says they have made it impossible for him to do his job.

He says his command staff had control of the bombing scene and he acted appropriately.

Abraira says he never had support from "a number" of department members because he was hired from outside the department in 2011.