Trustees pen response to fire-chief complaints

By MARK TODD - Staff Writer - mtodd@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

November 12, 2008 06:48 pm

— KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — Trustees in Kingsville Township are writing a formal report on the 14 allegations of misconduct involving Fire Chief Richard “Chip” Laugen and will announce their findings soon, said Trustee Dennis Huey.
Officials completed a review of transcripts from disciplinary hearings involving the chief and have begun writing a report on each allegation, Huey said. Their response to each claim will be examined by the Ashtabula County Prosecutor’s Office, then made public at an upcoming meeting, he said.
“We’re going to call a special meeting in a week or so,” Huey said.
Laugen was placed on paid leave in September while trustees investigated claims of neglected maintenance, unprofessional behavior and misuse of fire-department resources. Laugen has denied each allegation, officials have said.
More than 12 people testified at the hearing, conducted on two separate days.
Complaints regarding Laugen began to surface months ago. A citizens panel appointed by the trustees investigated the claims and found them to be true, according to a report from the group.
Laugen’s supporters have decried the committee’s report, labeling it unfair and biased because members interviewed only the six people who filed the complaints. Some of the chief’s backers also claim they were not permitted to testify during the hearing.