VAN BUREN, Ark. --
The District 6 Fire Department chief will remain on suspension over the next six months while the board further evaluate allegations of misconduct.
The board meeting brought out raw emotion from many with the volunteer fire department, which services Crawford County. Several firefighters say the suspended chief has a history of verbally and physically abusing colleagues.
James Sullivent Jr. was recently arrested and charged with terroristic threatening, after police say he got into an altercation with is wife.
Sullivent's colleagues say his aggressive behavior has been a common occurrence at the department for decades.
"There's a lot going on here at District 6 unfortunately," said firefighter David Volleberg. "It's been happening for 20 years."
Volleberg said the Chiefs son, James Sullivent III, recently hit him in the chest with a waterline while battling a structure fire. Volleberg said when he told the chief about the incident he was verbally assaulted.
"Everybody is getting tired of being pushed around," Volleberg said.
Volleberg's wife, Tina, also works for the volunteer fire department and said she has been victimized by the chief.
"I've had some pornographic material (placed) in my locker," Tina Volleberg said "I've had sexual text messages sent from the chief to my phone."
The Volleberg's allegations and several others, including allegations that the chief engaged in physical fights while responding to fires have some board members concerned.
"I'd never thought I'd have to deal with the problem of grown men rolling on the ground in rubber suits and boots," said board member Rick Ellison.
The board's decision to further their evaluate their options in regard to Sullivent's employment at the department has some firefighters threatening a boycott. All Volleberg wants is closure.
"The board, the chief and the assistant chief is presenting that from happening," Volleberg said.
The Vollebergs said they each have filed police reports related to incidents involving the chief. The couple said they plan to meet with the Crawford County prosecutor next week.
The boards members include Sullivent's father James Sullivent Sr.
The board said during the chiefs suspension he will not be able to be on the scene of fires, but will be able to respond to medical calls and conduct firefighting training.
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