EWFD board vice chairman calls on removal of board chairman and member

DGKN staff report

DALTON  An emotionally charged East Wayne Fire District meeting July 20 ended abruptly when a board member called on the removal of the chairman and a member from the board.

Board vice chairman Deb Peters, who represents the Marshallville community, stood up following the reading of a press release by Board Chairman Ryan Sullivan, which she said she did not want to be associated with because of mistruths and misconstrued items. Fiscal Officer Barb Stoll also had a question about the press release because she said it’s not true and puts her reputation on the line. Peters made a motion for the removal of both Sullivan and member Steve Rabatin for charges including conflict of interest and various wrongdoing as public officials.

Member Rick Peters approved the motion. No further business was conducted and the meeting was adjourned even though there was more business on the agenda. An attorney was present at the regular meeting July 20, which took place in the truck bay of Station 1 in Dalton. Many residents and local government officials attended the meeting filling nearly every seat and standing, Near the beginning of the meeting Dalton Mayor Dennis Finley thanked EWFD for their work keeping people safe during the MARS Horsecare fire which resulted in response by 20 different fire departments and agencies and the evacuation of about 50 households. About 15 minutes into the meeting,  EWFD personnel responded to a call leaving some of the seats vacant.

Sullivan read aloud a press release. Members of the audience asked questions and also made comments criticizing the board with at least one resident speaking in an angry tone.

Capt. Jeff McGraner spoke and shared impassioned words and had questions of the board. He received applause from people in attendance.

Read more in the July 27, 2022 edition of The Dalton Gazette & Kidron News.