Weise, 52, submitted his resignation by letter to Fire Chief Scott Walker. A 30-year veteran of the department, Weise was arrested and charged Friday with felony criminal drug conspiracy and with possession of more than 15 grams of a controlled substance, cocaine.
"The Quincy Fire Department will be conducting an internal investigation to determine if we have adequate policies in place," Walker said today. "The initial investigation indicated this is an isolated incident with one person in the department."
Walker will initiate an internal review of all department policies and procedures "relative to substance abuse, with the intention of determining whether modification of policies are needed."
Walker said he met with all three department shifts to discuss what happened.
"The mood of the department is one of surprise and disappointment," Walker said. "The concern of the firemen and the department itself is that they would be seen in a negative light through this department-wide. I'm quite proud of the service we provide and obviously embarrassed by this."
If convicted, Weise could face up to 15 years in prison. Weise was an assistant chief for 2 1/2 years. He also spent 10 years representing District 1 on the Adams County Board before resigning in November 2001.
Weise also is charged with unauthorized production or possession of more than five but less than 20 cannabis sativa plants, also a felony. If convicted of that charge, he could face between one and three years in prison.
Walker said he did not know if Weise would still receive a pension. Weise is eligible for between 50 and 70 percent of his salary, and the percentage is based on years served, rank, licenses held and other criteria.
Walker said the department's Pension Board will probably meet "in early May" to discuss Weise's pension.
Walker said Weise had tentatively planned to retire in early June. Weise and two other assistant chiefs are the fourth-ranking members of the 60-person department.
