The Liberty Township fire chief who had been fighting to keep his job will be returning to work next month, but not as chief.
Tim Jensen, suspended in March for alleged management lapses, including tardiness and failing to follow orders, reached an agreement with township trustees late last week allowing him to return to work on Sept. 7 as a lieutenant in the fire prevention office.
And while he loses his personal sport utility vehicle and fuel stipend, the lower rank actually pays $3,000 more per year, according to the firefighters union contract.
Jensen, who had been making $91,000 annually will now make $94,000.
"It is a job he has done before and he excelled at," said Shyra Eichhorn, chairwoman of the board of trustees. "I have no doubt he will do a phenomenal job."
A planned two-day hearing to determine Jensen's employment status began earlier this month and was supposed to resume Sept. 1, following lengthy testimony and scheduling conflicts.
Jensen, chief for six years of the 42-member department and a firefighter there for more than 25 years, has been on paid leave for more than five months while drawing his salary. Legal costs of more than $25,000 also had become an issue.
Both sides had sought a resolution, even before the disciplinary hearing began, said Trustee Melanie Leneghan.
"We tried to strike agreements with the chief before we went into the hearing. We didn't go into this abruptly, irresponsibly and haphazardly. There was a great deal of thought and consideration and discussion."
Asked if the demotion was adequate punishment, Leneghan said: "He is no longer the chief of Liberty Township Fire Department."
Jensen could not be reached for comment. Paul Bittner, his attorney, said: "The chief and township are looking forward to moving forward and returning to work."
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