In what appears to be the final straw in a long list of alleged infractions, the chief of the Lebanon, OH, Fire Department was terminated Monday. The latest issues involves a fire truck crash.
According to the local television station WLWT News 5, Fire Chief Perry Gerome was terminated Sept. 19 following an investigation of a traffic accident involving one of the department’s engines. It was determined policies and procedures were not followed after a engine clipped a utility pole damaging a ladder holder.
The crash was just the latest in a string of incidents involving discipline of the chief. The television station reported other infractions included ordering an in-service apparatus to his home so he could use a chainsaw to clear limbs from his property, the television station reported. Gerome also allegedly ordered all seven on-duty firefighters, two apparatus, an ambulance and a command vehicle to his home for a simulated fire on his wife’s birthday.
Lebanon issued a statement which read: “As a result of an investigation conducted by City Manager Pat Clements regarding a traffic accident involving one of the city’s fire engines, it was determined that city policies and procedures were not followed. As a consequence, and in light of previous disciplinary action, Fire Chief Gerome’s employment with the City of Lebanon was terminated on Sept 19, 2016.”
In April, the city manager filed disciplinary action against the chief stating: “Your willful disregard of ethical standards of public employment and your demonstrated lack of leadership has caused me to seriously question whether you are able to effectively serve in the position of Fire Chief.”
In his own defense, Gerome issue a statement himself which read in part:"It has been an honor and privilege serving as Fire Chief for the City of Lebanon for the last 30 months. My wife and I are proud to call Lebanon our home and we plan to continue to be active members of this great community.”
He continued say he is proud of the accomplishments he achieved during his tenure and in his 32 years of fire service.”
“I regret to have to depart in this manner and cause any undue negative attention on the fire division and the City of Lebanon,” Gerome said in his statement. “I don’t believe that the separation was warranted, but the final decision was not mine.”
Lebanon appointed Capt. Stephen Johnson as acting chief.
