Gasper Township holds emergency meeting

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GASPER TOWNSHIP — The Gasper Township Trustees held an emergency meeting on Tuesday, May 29, to address an appeal made by former employees. Last week, three employees were let ago for alleged timecard fraud. Those employees are working with Attorney Steve Hobbs to appeal that decision.

Preble County Prosecutor Martin Votel is representing the township, noting a decision has to be made before Thursday, May 31. The trustees declared the meeting an emergency and entered executive session with Votel to discuss the appeal and what action would be taken.

Following executive session, the trustees voted to “turn the matter over” to Votel so he can reach a settlement over the labor issues.

Once that decision was made, Votel left and the meeting reverted to the originally planned special meeting. Trustee Eric White asked staff for an update on the department.

Chief Tim Sean Halcomb said, “Things are going very well. The guys spent a lot of time to make sure we were prepared. We’re doing good. A lot better than many people expected us to be. We’re getting more people here shorthanded, then we did two weeks ago and the prior year I’ve been here.

“We have eight guys and ladies that are active. We have two that I have not seen since I’ve been here. We have one for sure, and possibly a second, that lives here in Lakengren and wants to get certified. I have three from last weeks group that have said once things settle down they would like to come back. I explained to them, if they wait too long we may not have gear for them.”

During the meeting, officer staff was also appointed.

The following are the appointed Gasper Township Fire Department officers: Chief Tim Sean Halcomb, Captain Andrew George, 1st Lieutenant Kyle Simpson, and 2nd Lieutenant Cody Doench.

The following are the appointed Gasper Township EMS officers: Coordinator Charity Whitaker, Lieutenant Dalton Helton, and Shift Supervisor Nathan Jeffers.

As for the EMS, Whitaker said they are interviewing candidates. Currently, EMS is staffed at half. They will be reaching out to different schools and departments looking for EMTs.

By Kelsey Kimbler

[email protected]

Reach Kelsey Kimbler at 937-683-4061 or on Twitter @KKimbler_RH

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