Update: Deputy chief: Meehan wanted me gone

Lebanon Fire and EMS Chief Dan Meehan, top right, said he and Deputy Chief Eric Neubet had differences in how the department should operate. (Neubert: courtesy photo; Meehan: Lebanon Voice file)

LEBANON - In less than two months, Lebanon Fire and EMS has seen two of its most senior high-ranking officers leave the department.

On Thursday Deputy Chief Eric Neubert was the latest to leave, in part because he and Fire and EMS Chief Dan Meehan didn't see eye-to-eye on where the department should be heading, the chief said on Sunday.

"Eric Neubert and I had some different ideas on how and where the department goes was part of the decision," Meehan said in an email to The Lebanon Voice.

Neubert said today on The Lebanon Voice Facebook page that Meehan told him he wanted him to leave.

Meehan said in his email that the loss of personnel was part of the equation anytime the reins of authority change.

"With a new chief comes new ideas," he said. "Many departments experiencing growing pains will see some members resign while still others will be let go."

Former Assistant Fire Chief Dan Roy resigned in late June after 20 years of service to spend more time with his new grandchild, he said earlier this month.

Neubert did not return an email from The Lebanon Voice asking for comment on his decision.

Both Roy, and more recently Neubert, had served as public information officers for the department.

Meehan said he was currently in talks with several individuals who are qualified to fill any leadership vacancies.