Firefighters Put On Administrative Leave
FALCON – Angry citizens packed the Falcon Fire Department Tuesday afternoon after a NEWSCHANNEL 13 investigation into the possible firings of two top leaders. About 50 citizens came together to support Chief Trent Harwig and Deputy Chief Jeff Petersma.
After almost two hours in a closed-door meeting, the board decided to put Deputy Chief Jeff Petersma on paid administrative leave until Monday. Captain Cory Galicia, a volunteer firefighter, was also put onleave indefinitely, until the board completes an internal investigation. Chief Trent Harwig faces no disciplinary action.
According to sources, the board is investigating whether or not Petersma and Galicia engaged in misconduct. The investigation began when four firefighters complained that a physical agility test, which they failed six-weeks ago, was unfair.
After the complaint, the board revised its physical agility standards to a nationally recognized test, which is harder; only new hires would be required to take it.
The four men, in their 50’s, felt it was age discrimination and threatened to take the issue up with the EEOC.
“This is retaliatory action against these individuals,” says Terry Reed. He asked board members point blank why two of the four board members were allowed to vote when they should have recused themselves. According to those in the crowd, board member Dena Bramhill is married to one of the complaining firefighters. Another board member, Kerry Smith, was once a volunteer firefighter for the district, and was written up by Petersma for disciplinary issues.
The board first allowed public comments, but after things became heated, they decided to leave without hearing everyone’s concerns, which angered the crowd even more.
None of the board members would speak with NEWSCHANNEL 13 after the meeting; many drove away refusing to comment. The board also instructed Petersma and Galicia not to talk with anyone, including the media, about the possible disciplinary action against them.
Citizens are now talking about recalling the board and some are threatening legal action if both Petersma and Galicia are fired.
