The township's policy does not give the option to keep 32-year-old Kenneth Hersman at home. Now, it could be a matter of days before the firefighter returns to work.
Hersman is charged with raping an 8-year-old girl. Morrow County Sheriff's detectives say the suspect's wife walked in and caught him.
Hersman hasn't been back to work since his arrest in December, but with no administrative leave policy on the books, he could return any day.
Brooke O'Donnell, who lives in Orange Township, says, "No parent should have to worry about their child being harmed by someone who is supposed to be helping them."
O'Donnell doesn't like to think that Hersman should provide care to her daughter Caroline in an emergency, but if one happened, she probably wouldn't refuse the help.
"In an emergency, my child is my number one concern, but I don't think I need to be worrying about that," says O'Donnell.
She does think that the township needs an administrative leave option.
Since his arrest, Hersman has used sick days and paid leave, but when that runs out he could come back.
The township says they've never needed an administrative leave policy.
In a statement over the phone Township Trustee David Eby told 10TV, "We're working with legal counsels and trying our best to take the right steps at the right time. We plan to protect the safety of our township and to do all we can to make sure people feel safe."
The township says if Hersman decides to return to work he would need a doctor's note since he's been out on sick leave. Then it would be up to the fire chief and the township to decide the next step.
Hersman's attorney did not return 10TV's phone calls.
