Woodland firefighter accused of not giving back gear
Thursday, November 1, 2007 7:13 AM PDT
By Leila Summers
Printable version
E-mail this articleWoodland fire officials are accusing former department captain Larry York of refusing to return fire truck repair manuals and more than $5,000 worth of city property since his dismissal in June.
They are pursuing possible criminal charges against him.
York, a 37-year department member who oversaw equipment maintenance, appealed his dismissal and a review board recommended Chief Tony Brentin reinstate York.
Brentin said the recommendation isn't binding and refuses to reinstate his membership. York was dismissed for insubordination and criticizing fellow department members.
Withholding city property is considered theft, Brentin said this week, "whether he's a member of the department or not."
"It's property of the city and taxpayers," he added.
Items in York's possession include firefighting clothes, a department pager, portable radio and equipment repair records, Brentin said.
York's attorney, Janna Lovejoy, wrote a letter to the city Oct. 23 asserting that York is still a member of the fire department.
"York's discharge was officially disaffirmed by the appellate review board, thereby reinstating him to duty, and restoring all of the rights, responsibilities and privileges of his position. This includes retention of his gear and equipment," Lovejoy wrote.
She declined further comment when contacted by a reporter Wednesday.
Woodland police chief Rob Stephenson said Mayor Doug Monge instructed him to retrieve the equipment. In a letter sent last week to York and Lovejoy, Stephenson requested the equipment be returned by Monday, which York failed to do.
The matter is being referred to the Cowlitz County prosecuting attorney to decide if criminal charges should be filed against York. Stephenson expressed his regrets about becoming involved in York's dispute with the fire department.
"It doesn't have to be a police issue, but it's being forced on me," he said.
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