Members of Waldoboro’s emergency personnel and citizens turned out for a heated discussion over Fire Chief Ernest Vannah’s resignation during a special meeting with the Board of Selectmen Saturday afternoon.
Vannah submitted his resignation as of Wed., Jan. 14 to Town Manager William Post. Effective immediately, Post appointed Deputy Chief Paul Smeltzer as acting Fire Chief until the full time position could be filled.
Vannah later followed his resignation with a written statement claiming Post asked for Vannah’s resignation and he did not resign voluntarily.
Addressing the crowd Saturday, Vannah challenged the decision. He said that for his first 30 days as fire chief he didn’t have assigned officers, such as a Deputy Chief. He added that in that time, the department also had one engine down, maintaining that his job was very difficult. He said his review came too early, at three months instead of six.
“We can argue about this until the cows come home,” Vannah said. “Sure, there’s a difference of opinion. I’d like to keep every volunteer that’s out there.”
Vannah emphasized that the real problem was how issues and concerns were not brought to him directly, but instead to the town manager.
“The town manager should not run the department. He should oversee it,” Vannah said.
The some 40 or so people in the town office on Jan. 24 listened as the Board and Town Manager William Post defined their responsibilities to the town. A prepared statement read by Post and made available to the public outlined these responsibilities.
Part of Post’s statement read, “My responsibility is to ensure that the services expected by the citizens of Waldoboro are delivered in an effective and efficient manner and to ensure the proper personnel are in place to deliver those services. I would also like to add that employees on probation may be removed from their positions with or without cause.”
Post thanked fire department personnel for responding to several recent structure fires and other emergency calls in the 10 days previous to this special meeting.
“During these fire calls, I have seen and heard a professionalism that I am proud of,” he said. “All members of the department should be commended for the work they have accomplished in saving the homes and keeping damage to a minimum.”
Having the opportunity to air concerns, many of the people in attendance supported Vannah and questioned the decisions which led to his resignation, while others expressed their frustrations over personnel conflicts in the department.
A petition with over 100 signatures was presented to the board requesting the town to hire Vannah back as Fire Chief. Post later said the petition was not valid, because the signatures had not been verified.
Waldoboro firefighter Roy Hatch expressed his disappointment in the decision, saying that taking away the knowledge Vannah acquired over his 35 years with the fire department was a mistake.
“Every time we just start to get better, something changes,” he said, adding that the fire department hasn’t received some needed equipment, such as lights around trucks inside the building. “We just don’t get what we need. What we do need is a chief who knows what he’s doing and I feel Ernie Vannah knows what he’s doing.”
One firefighter stood and spoke to the crowd, not wanting to make his way to the podium and kept his statement brief. He said Vannah is a nice man, but had a way of making the firefighter feel not so smart.
“If you screwed up, he’d wait until there was a big crowd,” the firefighter said, adding that the chief made him feel foolish in front of everyone. “He’s made fun of everybody who’s taken the firefighter one and two class.”
Waldoboro firefighter Amelia Bragg said she has been with the department for three years and never got any flak. If these other firefighters can’t take a joke, they need to re-evaluate their situation, she said.
“I don’t do it for glory, or money or the title,” she said. “I do it for the town of Waldoboro.”
Firefighter Jon Blodgett turned and addressed the rest of the department sitting in chairs while selectmen looked on. He suggested everyone in the department should get together and discuss these issues. He said firefighters need to communicate more.
John Daigle, Waldoboro’s Public Works Director, suggested Vannah speak with the town manager and selectmen in a private session.
“Right now we’re just dragging the town through the mud. If he wants his job he ought to set up a meeting with you guys and Bill. Don’t bring down the whole town.”
Another citizen spoke out in favor of the system and of the emergency personnel who work so well together already. She asked the crowd what was more important. She said that while listening to her scanner, she was impressed with how efficiently they communicate and get the job done.
Carlton Johnson addressed the issue of appeal, arguing that Vannah has been denied that right. Post responded by saying that the hiring process was effective and also supported his decision as town manager, citing the conditions of employment with the town. Post said he was following the correct process.
In his response to concerns raised by Hatch about the fire department not getting needed equipment, Post said it depends on the budget. He said he took the job as town manager, because he felt the town departments were not getting the attention they deserved. He said he wanted to make sure departments had the proper equipment, training and personnel to serve the best interests of the town.
Daigle mentioned the fact that he didn’t have any admirals or lieutenants, but had to perform the functions of his job, all the same. He added that the Board ought to consider the time Vannah spent with the fire department.
“I think the Board should consider his 35 years experience and give him a consideration.”
Waldoboro selectman Robert Butler first addressed the crowd following a silence from the room and after it appeared everyone had had a chance to speak.
“The town owes Ernest Vannah a debt of gratitude,” he said, adding that as a newcomer to the Board, he couldn’t imagine all Vannah has done for the fire department over the years.
Butler said he regretted that the process evolved as it has and in retrospect could have made a suggestion as to how to handle the situation another way. He said he hoped they all learn from the experience.
The most important point to take away from the experience he said was, “I don’t think anyone around this table intended in any way disrespect for Ernie.”
Butler added that the town manager expects a certain level of perfection and he feels that is not being met. Other members of the Board echoed Butler’s response with praise for the fire department.
“I’m very proud of every person in that department,” selectman Rebecca Maxwell said.
Selectman John Blamey said the number one priority is the health and safety of the personnel on the fire department. He recalled former Fire Chief Dick Glidden coming to the Board to request funds for more turnout gear, a request he supported.
“I’d like to see the fire department come together to determine what threats face us,” Blamey said. “Have we got enough people?”
Equipment and personnel are essential, he said, adding that it’s important to have a capital reserve for equipment. For safety and insurance reasons, the leadership needs to get together on issues surrounding personnel and equipment, he said.
