JERUSALEM TWP., Ohio -
Jerusalem Township Fire Chief Harold Stanton has been suspended by township trustees. Jerusalem Township Trustee Joe Kiss has confirmed this to 13abc.
In a letter obtained by 13abc, trustees say the chief "permitted at least one individual, who is not a lawfully appointed member of the Township Fire Department, to actively participate on emergency calls." The letter goes on to say, "This action is potentially dangerous to the individual, significantly increases the Township's potential liability, and violates Ohio law."
According to that letter, a hearing date of March 12th has been set for trustees to determine if Stanton will be terminated.
Chief Stanton says he was worried about the fire on Clubhouse boulevard, not the people around it.
"I focused on my water supply, my people and my scene. That was my focus. If I'd even seen this person on scene I don't really remember seeing him. I'd seen him that day. Whether he was on that scene I couldn't tell you. My own son says he was on that scene, I barely remember he was on the scene he was there when I pulled up apparently so that shows you my focus. My focus when I arrive on the scene is the job not the circus clowns in the background or anything else," chief Stanton told 13abc.
Kiss says Anthony Parasiliti has been appointed interim chief.
The Trustees' letter to Chief Stanton
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