After a strong response from Mingo Junction's mayor, who said she would not allow the fire chief to be reinstated, the firefighters' union shared their disapproval.
Brandon Montgomery was placed on leave in the summer of 2024 by Mayor Judy Ruckman over allegations of sexual misconduct while fire chief of the Mingo Junction Fire Department.
On Tuesday, a statement was shared by Mingo Junction Career Firefighters Local 3714, according to WTRF.com.
“In regards to the recent decision made by village council on behalf of the Fire Department. The current employees of the MJFD are in disagreement with the council decision made to reinstate Mr. Montgomery to his position as Chief. The local members currently staffing the department had previously placed a vote of no confidence in Mr. Montgomery as the leader of the department. The current employees fear a poor work environment, poor mental health, and poor morale should he be reinstated. Our concerns and feelings have been made known to the legislative body on numerous occasions and have been dismissed without being addressed,” the Local 3714 statement read.
During a vote Monday, the Mingo Junction council voted 3-2 to reinstate Montgomery.
Following the vote, Ruckman said "I'm not bringing him back, so he'll have to go through the legal process."
WTHR reported that Montgomery was accused of recording conversations and engaging in sexual relations with subordinates.
