UPDATED: Stratmoor Hills fire board responds to allegations against fire chief

For the first time since allegations against a fire chief broke, the Stratmoor Hills fire board is talking publicly about it.

Volunteer firefighters say they brought a letter to the board a week ago. That letter called for immediate termination of Fire Chief Troy Rotramel. Paid, full-time district firefighters also came forward Wednesday night, supporting the volunteers.

Both groups of firefighters claim the chief creates a hostile work environment and shows up to fire scenes intoxicated. Chief Rotramel has denied all allegations.

A letter we received from full-time district firefighters says they feel actions of the chief and administrative secretary have been unfair and biased.

Firefighters say they’ve put in numerous requests about their concerns to the board and nothing has been done. They say a board member told a firefighter quote, “if you don’t like the chief then find a new job.”

When we attended the board meeting Wednesday night, a board member said this was the first they’ve heard about the allegations against the chief.

“Contrary to what you may have heard, the board did not receive the serious complaints against the chief prior to receiving the letter, and board meeting minutes will substantiate that,” said a board member.

Three of the volunteers who originally signed the complaint have since withdrawn their support.

“The board is concerned about the timing of the complaints, which closely followed two of the complaining volunteers’ non-selection for paid firefighter vacancies,” said a board member.

Some volunteers claimed they would not attend training or work shifts pending investigation by the board but that was later repealed and they apologized.

This investigation is ongoing. Until it is over, the board says fairness and common decency demand that no action be taken against any volunteer or district firefighter, including the chief.

The board will meet again on Friday to further discuss this situation.