Backlash Against Dismissal: Former Jackson County Fire Chief Threatens Litigation
JACKSON COUNTY, Ore. — In a backlash against his dismissal from Fire District 5 in Rogue Valley, Southern Oregon, former Jackson City Fire Chief Charles Hanley says he will fight the decision by pursuing ‘all appropriate avenues, including litigation.’
Accusations Include Bullying and Sexual Harassment
Hanley was fired two weeks ago after being found responsible for covering up allegations of bullying, sexual harassment and interfering with a government promotion board.
Fire Chief Dismissed Before Investigation was Completed
Board members of the Jackson County Fire District 5 decided to relieve the fire chief of his post before the independent investigation was completed. This decision, says Board Chairperson, Greg Costanzo, was taken because the three findings were sufficiently shocking (egregious).
The investigation is ongoing into a further five allegations of misconduct by Hanley.
Hanley Says He Was Given Insufficient Time to Present a Defense
The former fire chief is not taking the decision without a fight. Releasing a statement through his attorney, Hanley expresses disappointment at the board’s decision to fire him and disagrees with the findings of the independent investigator.
Hanley states that he was not given sufficient time to properly address the allegations against him, or a reasonable opportunity to present witness statements or documentation in his defense.
The former fire chief’s attorney says Hanley will contest his termination ‘to clear his name and to address the damage recent actions have caused his reputation.’ The attorney says his client will pursue ‘all appropriate avenues’ and, if necessary, will take the matter to court.
Findings of the Independent Investigator
In an abridged report by Pacific Consulting and Investigations, Hanley is accused of failing to ‘address workplace harassment’ and allegedly stopping a misconduct investigation about sexual innuendos, foul language and lewd gestures.
The report suggests that Hanley could have addressed the problem with more training or a memorandum to the district saying that such behavior would not be tolerated.
The investigation also found that an employee was harassed by Hanley when he yelled aggressively and used curse words. The investigator said Hanley created a hostile working environment.
The third issue in which the former fire chief was found liable involved altering promotion scores of an employee applying for a battalion chief role. The investigator found that this resulted in the unfair disqualification of the candidate.
Former Board Chairperson Seeks $2 Million in Damages in Separate Claim
In a separate tort claim, former Jackson County Fire District 5 chairperson, Vicki Purslow is seeking $2 million in damages for alleged acts by Hanley involving slander and defamation. Purslow, together with two other board members, resigned abruptly in March.
In a letter dated August 12, Purslow says she believes there was an ulterior motive related to her civil rights to the statements made about her in the media and social media. Purslow is a lesbian and was the only female serving on the board.
‘Toxic Culture of Bullying and Harassment’
The resignation of the former three board members took place after the International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) labor union requested the board to address complaints about inappropriate conduct within the fire department. The union described behavior within the Jackson County Fire department as ‘a toxic culture of bullying and harassment.’
The union has demanded an immediate end to all defamatory allegations and claims against Purslow’s reputation. To date, the board has failed to respond.