Citing a request from the town manager, Waldoboro Fire Chief Ernest Vannah submitted his resignation Jan. 14.
Effective immediately, Town Manager William Post appointed Deputy Chief Paul Smeltzer acting Fire Chief until the position can be filled. Post said he would advertize internally for the fire chief’s position and will wait for applications to be filed to the town.
In a written statement Jan. 20, Vannah said he did not resign voluntarily. “The fire department has been an important part of my life for 35 years and I was looking forward to serving as the Chief for many years to come,” Vannah said.
Vannah’s position started on Sept. 1. According to Post, Vannah had until March 1 for a six-month probationary period to expire.
During an interview Post stated Vannah’s resignation was a “personnel issue”, but would not elaborate further, citing state law.
“My role as Town Manager is to ensure that the citizens of Waldoboro are provided with services,” Post said. “Its my responsibility that we have the proper personnel to lead all of the departments.”
In his statement, Vannah outlined some reasons why Post requested his resignation. According to Vannah, Post did not see the positive changes he wanted to see in the fire department and didn’t think Vannah could make these changes happen.
Vannah also said Post was not happy with the way in which the fire chief handled a disciplinary matter within the department. He added that Post felt Vannah did not give the Town Manager the proper respect and support in choosing officers.
“He thanked me for my 35 years of service and added that I would have more time to work for the railroad and spend more time with my family,” Vannah said. “I have worked part time for the railroad for many years and plan to continue doing so, but have no intention of quitting my full time job as an insurance agent to work for the railroad. Where they came up with that story is a mystery.”
A committee including Newcastle Fire Chief Clayton Huntley, Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency director Tim Pellerin, Waldoboro selectman Clinton Collamore and Post, were charged with interviewing and choosing a new chief for Waldoboro in Aug. 2008.
The same steps to hire Vannah and promote officers in the fire department last year would be utilized again, Post said. Applications for the position will be considered and there will be an interview process. Any candidate nominated by the committee would have to be confirmed by the town selectmen in a formal meeting.
Vannah has served the fire department for over 35 years in a variety of capacities, according to Post. During this time working for the fire department, Vannah has been a Fire Prevention Officer, Safety Officer, Training Officer, Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief, Deputy Chief and finally, Fire Chief.
