Political Problems Cause Dustup With N.C. Dept.

Sept. 14--Jonesville's regular town meeting was set ablaze with heated discussion Monday evening when members of the fire department claimed the town has failed to communicate any decisions regarding the department and the status of the fire chief position, which has been vacant since Keith Macy's resignation last month.

"It's so disheartening to me," said Heather Macy, medical lieutenant with the fire department. "We're out there putting our lives on the line, and the town officials don't have the respect to keep the members aware of what is going on with their own department."

During the public comments portion of the meeting, a concerned citizen raised questions to the board, stating the community has also been left in the dark.

"At the present time, we have a fire department that has no leadership," said Richard Simendinger. "That means it could leave Jonesville uncovered with insurance. I want to know what's being done to rectify this situation."

"We would like the public to know the town has met several times," said Scott Buffkin, Jonesville Town Manager.

According to Buffkin, Mayor Lindbergh Swaim, who served as Jonesville fire chief for 44 years from 1958-2002, was appointed as interim chief on Aug. 26.

"I believe the board will do whatever is needed in the best interests of our residents," he said. "Unfortunately, I cannot tell you more at this point."

Buffkin said the town council held meetings regarding the fire department on Aug. 26 and Sept. 6.

"We didn't know about the meetings," said Macy. "It would mean a lot to the department to be told what is going on. I didn't know Mr. Swaim was our interim chief until I called Friday for answers.

"I'm asking if you can please give us the respect to let us know what is going on," Macy continued. "Don't keep us in the dark when we're putting our lives on the line for you. I don't feel like our town has made us a priority at all."

Macy said the assistant chief resigned at the time Keith Macy resigned.

"The assistant chief took the position to help Keith, but he also saw the way things worked for Keith, or I should say didn't work, so he didn't want that responsibility either. Not being communicated with was another thing that ultimately brought Keith to the decision to resign."

"It was never our intention to keep the fire department in the dark," said Buffkin. "We knew there had been representatives of the department at our regular monthly meetings, and we thought they were in tune with what was going on."

"The fire department has not been invited to the meetings and has not been briefed on what is going on," said Macy. "We haven't been asked for our input or asked to attend meetings, and we're the ones running the calls. We're the ones who understand what it is like to get up at 2 a.m. to run a call."

She said the only person from the fire department in attendance at the meetings was Swaim.

"He ran a couple calls with us, but no one in our department was even aware he was the interim chief," she said. "He didn't let us know. He didn't take command of the scene, and he did not make us aware he was the fire chief."

Macy said the only conversation she has had with Swaim regarding the situation occurred shortly after Keith Macy resigned. She said Swaim told her an application had been received for the fire chief position.

"He alluded to it being a paid position," she said. "He said he didn't see any other choice. The new chief might be paid, which is interesting because Mr. Swaim was not paid for his 40-some years of service, and Keith was not paid for his service."

"(A paid fire chief position) has been considered," said Buffkin. "I think that is a possibility. We have not discussed that being a full-time position, though."

Macy said another rumor she's heard concerns severe cuts to the town's medical department.

"Nineteen of the 27 incidents last month required medical care," she said, noting cuts to the department would negatively impact the community.

"That's a rumor," she said. "That's why I'm trying to get information so I can answer these questions I'm being asked."

"That's news to me," said Buffkin. "I haven't heard that myself."

"I just wish the town would communicate with the department," said Macy.

Simendinger said he hopes the town will also have open communication with the community.

"It's the town's job to make sure we're protected," he said. "I don't feel protected."

"Jonesville is protected," said Macy, "but we're limited on what we can do." Macy said the department currently has 13 firefighters, seven of which are trained.

Under the personnel section of the state 9S rating requirements, a fire department must have a minimum of 20 personnel with 18 designated as firefighters and two as traffic personnel, or the department must show documentation that averages of 12 firefighters have responded to each of the previous 20 structure fires.

A firefighter present at the meeting asked, "Where do we stand with the state? I know, right now, if we're inspected, we wouldn't pass."

"I understand where you're coming from, but I don't have an answer for you at this time," said Swaim.

"We're all concerned with the situation," said Buffkin. "Rest assured, we're doing the best we can. I don't think sitting here and pointing fingers back and forth will help the situation. We have not been notified of the state coming in for an inspection."

"The (inspectors are) supposed to be coming to the county this fall to start the 9-S inspection," said Macy. "If the state comes in and decides to drop our rating from a 5, which is what we are right now, to being unprotected, that will increase our insurance. Some companies won't even insure.

"I don't know why it has taken so long to make a decision," she continued. "I feel like what is best for the community is to keep us aware of what's going on."

"It has taken longer than we would like, but we feel it is an important decision," said Buffkin. "We want to look at our options and choose what is best for our community.

"At this point, we're considering all options," he continued. "Anything and everything is on the table to be discussed and considered."

"We have the ability to have a great department," said Macy. "We just need the board to get behind the department and make the best decision for the community."

"We plan to make an announcement in the very near future as to our direction," said Buffkin.

At the close of the meeting, several board members expressed their appreciation for the fire department.

"We thank the members of the department for all they have done and continue to do," said Buffkin. "We wouldn't be where we are without them."

"As long as the town will permit Keith and I, we're going to keep running calls," said Macy. "We just want the community to know we're not going to abandon them. The safety of the community is our main concern, whether we are kept involved in whatever decisions (the town) makes or not.

"We're just going to keep doing what we do and do it to the best of our ability," she said. "We want what's best for the community."