Chief, deputy chief removed from service during Lebanon Fire and EMS probe

Lebanon Fire and EMS Chief Steve Merrill (Courtesy photo)

LEBANON, Maine - The top two leaders of Lebanon Fire and EMS were both placed on administrative leave on Thursday as the town prepares to launch an investigation into the handling of personnel matters and the department's deteriorating equipment including its main headquarters in South Lebanon.

Both Fire and EMS Chief Steve Merrill and Deputy Chief JT Harmon were placed on paid administrative leave on Thursday, Lebanon Selectmen Chairman Chuck Russell told The Rochester Voice on Friday afternoon.

Russell said the investigation will be split into two categories: one regarding " a lot of complaints" from within the department regarding how it was being run; and another that would audit the condition of the department's physical assets.

":The two are separate because there will be a lot of questions about privacy and being transparent," Russell said. "With having two, the personnel side can be kept private, while the one regarding the condition of equipment can be transparent."

Russell said the investigations will be done by professional firms that will be chosen by the town's human resources officer Stacy Gillespie, who is also the town treasurer.

Russell said Gillespie would be coordinating with the town's legal team and the Maine Municipal Association in finding the appropriate outside investigating firm or firms to handle the separate probes.

Russell said the personnel side of the investigation is all about issues regarding, "basic running of the department."

Russell said he wanted to stress that there had been "no problems" regarding public safety issues and that the residents of Lebanon could be assured the public can expect the same quality of service the department has exemplified in the past.

While the probe is under way and Harmon and Merrill are absent, Lebanon Fire and EMS Capt. Frank Maguire will be in charge, Russell said.

Maguire said in a Friday bulletin on the town website that the probe includes the "stations, the trucks, protocols, management practices, everything."

The Chief and Deputy Chief are on administrative leave while this occurs which is common practice for something of this status.

Maguire added that the town and its residents can expect the same professional level of service they have come to expect.

"The message to the town as a whole is this; Lebanon Fire is still here, we are still responding, and we are still ready to answer the call. We have a resilient group of individuals, and in spite of the circumstances we still consider it a privilege to do this job for the citizens of Lebanon. I have complete faith in the department, and assure you there will be no adverse effect on the services received by the town. As the ranking officer of the department at the moment, I will continue to keep the ship steered in the right direction, and look forward to working towards a successful resolution to this event."

Russell urged citizens to call him at is (207) 432-7010 if they have any questions or concerns.