Fire Chief Reportedly Resigns, Department Still Operational
NORTH WEBSTER — Word has been received North Webster Fire Chief Jeremy Likens has resigned. While Likens has not confirmed the action, his turnout gear was seen this morning among other firefighters who have left the department.
Initial reports were more than half of the 48 full-time, part-time and volunteer firefighters walked out Thursday afternoon and evening.That number has now dwindled down to 10, as of late Friday morning.
“There was never any lapse of EMS coverage,” stated Cody Manges, former operational chief for the department. “We were weaker on the fire coverage, but there were volunteers covering.” Manges has resigned from his position. His letter of resignation will be submitted in the near future.
“It had nothing to do with the fire (department) vs EMS,” nor full time vs. volunteer, Manges said today. “The merger went without a flaw, no one had a problem. The complaints were coming from full time paramedics/EMTs,” he said.
An audio recording of the Tippecanoe Township Advisory Board’s meeting Tuesday, Aug. 23, has been received. The 1:26:24 recording covered a realm of topics. But the main topics appeared to be who was in charge of the day to day operations of the department, scheduling and disciplinary action.
Likens initially stated “I am ready to resign as chief. For the last eight months, things have spiraled out of control, in little pieces.” He asked the township board “Who is the chief, and who is running the department?” He noted there have been issues arise making it personal. A trust issue has developed.
A petition with names of 24 fire department members was presented that evening, showing support for Likens and Manges.
Throughout extensive discussion, advisory board members reiterated the chief and operational chief were to handle day to day operations.
Complaints from department members to Steve Ward, township trustee, about scheduling issues – people not getting the days they desired or having to continually work weekends, and Ward allegedly overruling disciplinary action against his son-in-law were heard.
“Steve, I feel you need to let them do their job,” said Steve Carson, board president.
Micromanaging
Manges stated, “A lot of people think that the schedule is the main problem. Our main problem, the reason why a lot of us had walked out, is due to the micromanaging and favoritism coming from Steve Ward to his son-in-law … .”
Manges explained since March every time an attempt was made to make changes and the son-in-law felt it wasn’t important or it affected him, Ward stopped what was being done. Several weeks ago during disciplinary action with that individual, it became escalated.
Manges was later called into Ward’s office and told he, Manges, would no longer be handling disciplinary action and asked to resign. Manges noted the secret meeting Wednesday evening. On Thursday morning, Ward made it clear to Manges and Likens he was going to be in charge. Ward was allegedly caught making different statements than he made earlier. Some of these conversations were recorded.
Disgruntled Employee?
Ward stated today this was “all over a disgruntled employee” trying to push out the full timers and bring in their own friends. He stated he stepped in to make sure those who have given their life to the department were protected.
Following a mandatory fireman’s meeting Thursday evening. Ward stated 30 volunteers “got the right side of the story. … You know what happened? Gear started getting hung back on the hooks.
“My guys are out there on duty, my ambulance is running. We never quit running. Our solidarity is back again. There’s a few that were pushing this, that are gone. The majority of my people are back and it’s stronger than ever.”