Frizzell finds Cole innocent in Rescue probe

Town Attorney Alan Shepard

LEBANON -- Lebanon Selectmen Chairman Bob Frizzell said last night the Rescue Department probe into grievances filed by five former department volunteers is over, and Assistant Rescue Chief Jason Cole and the department have been found innocent on all counts.

“We interviewed the parties that came forward, and there was nothing that would be deemed for there to be disciplinary action.” he said referring to two of the more serious charges leveled: misappropriation of Rescue Department funds and patient safety issues.

Pressed on whether there were any safety concerns outright, Frizzell added, “Nothing (was) found in this investigation that would warrant concerns for safety.”

Frizzell said he had the report and it would be finalized today, adding, “I have to put it in my words.”

Town offices are closed today, so it should be on hand at Town Hall on Thursday, he said.

The investigation was completed with the help of Town Counsel Alan Shepard of Shepard and Read law firm of Kennebunk.

Among several other grievances, former Rescue volunteers Stu Morrison and Ryan Therrien alleged improper use of the Lebanon Rescue command vehicle and outside parking of an ambulance at the Cole residence which can render some medications ineffective in cold weather.

They said Rescue volunteers were allowed to use the department’s ATV without being properly trained leading to an additional safety hazard and illustrating a culture of inconsistency with regard to compliance of safety rules and standard operating procedures among most Rescue departments.

Asked why he didn’t include an emergency medical services expert in the investigatory aspect of the probe, Frizzell said, “If the charges would’ve deemed that I would have. I was given that responsibility by the board.”

Selectwoman Karen Gerrish did not participate in the probe, because it was felt that it would be inappropriate in light of the bitter campaign she had fought with Cole prior to defeating him for a selectman’s seat two years ago.

That left it to Frizzell and Shepard who together began the probe in mid-October when the five volunteers traveled to Kennebunk for individual interviews with Frizzell and Shepard..

The probe was finally announced as complete exactly a week after The Lebanon Voice first broke the story last Tuesday.

Today, Morrison said he was disappointed with the outcome, adding there was a lot more than safety issues wrong with the department.

“I guess he (Frizzell) didn’t address the professionalism of the department, the enforcement of rules,” he said.

Neither Cole nor his wife, Rescue Chief Samantha Cole returned a phone call requesting their comments on the outcome of the probe.