Probe: Mont. assistant chief is ‘disruptive, intimidating’

The Missoulian

BILLINGS, Mont. — The assistant fire chief in Billings is disruptive and intimidates employees, and his insubordinate behavior is detrimental to the effective operation of the Billings Fire Department, an outside investigator has found. The city sought the investigation after Chief Paul Dextras filed a formal complaint against Assistant Chief Frank Odermann.

Odermann was placed on paid leave May 31. The next day, Dextras submitted a written account of Odermann’s behavior to the city’s human resources director in which he described “serious issues associated with potential insubordinate, harassing, hostile and covert actions.”

Investigator Lynda Brown, an adjunct instructor at the University of Montana, said she found Odermann’s actions hurt the department’s productivity and morale, and she questioned whether he could remain under Dextras’ direct supervision. Odermann’s “openness in criticizing his supervisor in front of his subordinates as well as sharing his frustrations among the rank and file is well-documented,” Brown wrote. “His credibility as both a leader and a loyal follower within the chain of command has been eroded by his actions toward chief Dextras.”

Full story: Probe: Assistant Billings fire chief disruptive