Mad River Twp. investigation report shows conflicting statements
The meeting will be the first public gathering since an internal investigation into the fire department was released to the public. At the center of the investigation was if Mad River Twp. fire leadership knew about sexual misconduct allegations lodged against a man before they hired him in 2018.
The report found that no administrative charges should be brought against its chief or assistant chief. However, the report also said Bethel Twp. Fire Chief Jacob King told Mad River Twp. fire leadership about the allegations.
The findings prompted 12 firehouse employees to resign between May 20 and May 21.
Former Mad River Twp. fire employee Mike Gardone told News Center 7’s Jenna Lawson that he anticipates residents will address the trustees about what they’ve read in the investigation report.
“We’re kind of taking a step back, we’ve said what we wanted to say and made our points,” he said. “Now we’re going to let the citizens speak and, hopefully, somewhere in between, the trustees will listen.”
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The trustees have told this news organization recently that they are unable to take further action because the internal investigation resulted in no administrative charges. Charges would have prompted a public termination hearing in which the trustees would act as a de facto jury.
Because no charges resulted from the internal investigation, the issue is legally closed, trustees have said.
However, the trustees voted on May 24 to hire 12 new employees and give everyone at the fire house a $1-an-hour raise.