Excerpts from MyWebTimes.com:
It seems like a big change is coming for the Seneca Fire Department. As reported, the fire board is planning to dismiss their long-time fire chief, Jerry Sears, and replace him with Deputy Chief Kett Johnson. This news came as a surprise to many, including Chief Sears himself, who mentioned he learned of the board's intentions a couple of weeks ago.
Sears, who has been part of the volunteer fire department since 1973 and has led the team since 1984, expressed his initial disappointment over the decision. However, he seems to have come to terms with it and plans to address the board during their meeting. It’s a bittersweet moment for him, given his extensive history with the department.
Karen Osmond, the department’s administrative assistant, noted that the agenda for the special meeting appeared suddenly last Friday. The fire board will convene at 7 p.m. on Monday at their station located at 121 W. Armour St. in Seneca.
Excerpts from the HeraldNews.com:
Jerry Sears, a fire chief with 33 years of service, was unexpectedly relieved of his duties during the Seneca Fire Board meeting this week. At 76 years old, Sears joined the department back in 1973 and now finds himself no longer permitted inside the station.
According to Sears, two board members held a private meeting without the third member and attempted to pressure him into retiring prior to the official board meeting. “The President of Trustees, Jerry Johnson, visited my home on June 20th to inform me that I would be retiring the next day,†Sears recounted.
Sears drafted a letter of resignation for the upcoming business meeting but later reconsidered and did not submit it. Despite this, he was dismissed during the board meeting on July 10th with a 2-1 vote. Kett Johnson, who was reportedly approached about taking over on June 30th, was selected as the new chief.
“Jerry did an excellent job; everything wouldn’t be the same without him,†said Johnson. Sears feels strongly that he wouldn't have stepped down voluntarily.
Sears suspects that his age and recent health issues, particularly heart problems, might have played a role in the decision. He was absent for nearly six months due to his condition, with Assistant Chief Jason Bersano stepping in during his absence.
Osmond, the administrative assistant, mentioned that Sears' departure still hasn't fully registered with some of the firefighters. Sears expressed his best wishes to his fellow firefighters, hoping they continue to thrive under the new leadership. Johnson aims to ensure the transition remains as seamless as possible.
This situation highlights the challenges of balancing tradition with change in small-town departments, where personal relationships often play a significant role.
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