Former DE Chief Sues Dept. to Get Reinstated

A former volunteer firefighter has filed suit to be reinstated into the Milton Fire Department.  Lynn Rogers was removed from the department after a member filed a letter of complaint and his role on a committee was questioned. Rogers, who served two decades as chief, spent 47 years volunteering with the department, according to the News Journal. 

"They disappeared me," he said, noting that his roles of chief emeritus, lifetime member, and past chief, were removed from his department biography. 

Rogers claims the department board defamed him, casting a negative light on his reputation in the community and the state's fire service. The suit alleges that Rogers' actions at two county fire association meetings included "trashing" the department and using poor conduct.

A letter was sent to the board following the meetings that said Rogers' threw a bowl of peanuts "across the table, hushing the people around us" and he "mumbled and cursed like a turret's (sic) patient" and disrespected a woman at the table.

Rogers was given a 60-day suspension for "breach of trust" after the house committee that he chaired purchased a new phone system in 2011. He said he was never aware of any issues with the purchase until the department placed him on "Inactive Permanent Honorary Membership." That barred him from voting, having keys to the station or taking part in activities.

Craig Karsnitz, the department's attorney, said they tried to negotiate terms with Rogers but nothing has been successful.

 "I love the fire service. I still love it. I love Milton Fire Department. I love the members. It is my life," Rogers told the newspaper.