An Omaha fire captain says allegations that he threatened his boss, the fire chief, are false.

Acting Omaha labor relations director Steve Kerrigan banned Capt. John Gruttemeyer from all city facilities during the city's investigation. Kerrigan told Gruttemeyer in a letter that on Oct. 19, Gruttemeyer had used profanity and threatened to kill the Chief Mike McDonnell if the chief did something to Gruttemeyer.

Gruttemeyer, who is on medical leave, said Wednesday that he is innocent and that the allegations are retaliation by the department and the fire union. He did not elaborate.

At a news conference on Wednesday, a department spokesman called the incident a personnel matter and offered few details.