TURNER – It may be long after the Fourth of July holiday before Fire Chief Steve Fish knows whether he will keep his job. But there were plenty of fireworks Monday night at a Turner selectmen’s meeting.
Selectmen announced to a crowd of about 60 people that they have been advised not to discuss the issue of the fire chief until at least the start of July.
The uproar was immediate.
“You may not be able to discuss it. But you’re damn sure going to listen,” Fish said, standing and pointing a finger at town leaders. “You fine selectmen sitting right there violated my civil rights. That’s dirty politics.”
Earlier this month, selectmen quietly voted to not reappoint Fish as chief, a position he has held for more than a decade. The backlash was quick and intense. Several firefighters and residents have come out to support Fish. Two weeks ago, on advice from an attorney, selectmen voted to reverse their decision and give it more thought.
It was not enough for the shoulder-to-shoulder crowd Monday night at the town hall.
“You’re telling us right now that we have to wait until the lawyers hash this out? That’s a hard pill to swallow,” said Laurie Dupile. “We’re all here right now. Why put it off and play games?”
Selectmen said it may be July 1 at the soonest before a decision is made on Fish’s position as head of the volunteer fire department. It may be longer.
Selectmen have not publicly given reasons for their decision to oust the chief, a fact that Fish’s supporters did not overlook Monday night.
“I went through a house fire a year ago last March,” said 74-year-old Bill Hammond, whose home near the Androscoggin River was heavily damaged. “I saw Chief Fish and his department at work and they could not have done a better job,” he said. “What is the issue here?”
Five town leaders, including Fish’s wife, Lori, a member of the Board of Selectmen, sat at the selectmen’s table as hand after hand went into the air. Most of those who spoke Monday night demanded to know why changes were proposed for the Fire Department when no specific problems had been mentioned.
“Why are they holding off? We all need to know,” said Turner firefighter Adam Dupile. “Everyone knows you’re doing the wrong thing. Let’s get this over with.”
One woman stood to say she has already collected 199 signatures in support of the chief. Others raised their hands to remind selectman that they were voted into office and could be voted out.
Selectmen, with other town business to attend to, reminded those in attendance that they were forbidden by legal advice to discuss the issue of Fish’s position amongst themselves.
“He’s still the fire chief,” Selectman Ralph Caldwell said of Fish. “He’ll still be the fire chief until this gets sorted out. I honest to God want this to be resolved fairly and equitably.”
Selectman Dennis Richardson said: “I am a fair person. I never had a problem with Steve Fish. We are going to do this the fair way.”
Firefighters and other Fish supporters have accused selectmen of voting to oust chief when no firefighters were present, Fish was out of town, and his wife was not in attendance.
The swarm of support for Fish developed into a picket line two weeks ago when firefighters and their families stood in front of the town hall with signs supporting the chief.
Some have suggested old vendettas are behind the decision to remove Fish from his job. Others have speculated that conflicts between firefighters and rescue workers are responsible.
Before the meeting Monday night, Fish said he is mystified by it all.
“It’s been rough. If I did something wrong to jeopardize the safety of my people, I would step down,” the chief said. “But that’s not the case. I love the fire service. I love serving my community.”
Comments are no longer available on this story