NEW YORK - John Sudnik, the chief of operations for the Fire Department will be sworn in as the chief of department Wednesday, sources tell NY1.

He had been serving in that role in an acting capacity.

James Leonard, the former top uniformed officer of the FDNY was removed from that position in December, amid an inquiry into “inappropriate behavior” toward subordinates and co-workers, including the most senior woman at the agency.

He retired this week.

Leonard had been accused of instructing chiefs to freeze Laura Kavanagh, the first deputy commissioner, out of critical decisions and communications, sources said.

Other chiefs and FDNY staff found Leonard abrasive and aggressive, and said he would berate subordinates in public.