By FireRescue1 Staff
FALLS TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A fire company president was asked to resign after allegations of his criminal history surfaced this week.
Gary N. Margerum pleaded no contest to charges of corruption of minors and official oppression in 1989, reported the Midweek Wire. Court documents revealed that an incident occurred in 1988 with a 15-year-old girl; Margerum was a police officer at the time. The original affidavit revealed that the girl in question said Margerum took her into custody, told her to get into his squad car, where he kissed and fondled her.
He was placed on probation for three years, ordered to complete 300 hours of community service and leave police work. He was also told to avoid contact with young girls.
The 1988 incident predates Megan’s Law, which requires convicted sex offenders to register in a public database.
“The board made a formal request that he resign as the president of that company and as volunteer of that company,” Falls Township Board Chairman Robert Harvie said.
Although the board made the request, they do not have full authority to fire Margerum; the decision rests in the hands of the fire company itself.
When approached for a comment, Margerum referred the publication to his lawyer to address the matter.
Harvie said members of the fire company have been made aware of the issue; no decisions regarding Margerum’s employment have been made.
“We get along with the fire company and have a good relationship with the guys,” Harvie told the Levittown Now. “I know this isn’t an easy time for them.”
Unlike police officers or teachers, Harvie said firefighter are generally not required to undergo checks into child abuse.