JEROME TOWNSHIP, Ohio — After two days of testimony and deliberation over improper political activity and insubordination, the Jerome Township Board of Trustees voted to fire Jerome Township fire chief Doug Stewart.
WCMH reported that Stewart was found responsible for improper participation in partisan political campaign activity, as well as unprofessional conduct and insubordination, stemming from a June 8 meeting with Township Administrator Brandon Standley.
| GORDON GRAHAM: On-duty firefighter political activity
The board voted unanimously on Oct. 7 to terminate Stewart’s employment.
The first violation stemmed from an incident in which photos of Stewart in his fire chief uniform, posed in front of Jerome Township Fire Department equipment, appeared in a political ad for former state representative candidate Wezlynn Davis.
The second violation arose at the June meeting with Standley, where Stewart allegedly used profanity while discussing the investigation and threw papers from a separation agreement.
The board of trustees said it now turns its attention to the fire department’s future.
Stewart declined to comment and previously denied any wrongdoing.
Four tips for managing political differences while keeping the crew together as a functional and compatible team
January 14, 2025 05:42 PM
·
Salvatore Cassano is urging Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Legislature to keep driverless cars off New York streets, citing warnings about autonomous vehicles interfering with police and firefighters at emergency scenes nationwide
October 31, 2026 12:00 PM
Boulder plans to spend up to $10.25 million annually on voluntary wildfire hardening efforts across 12 western neighborhoods, as officials debate whether to eventually require hardening measures rather than relying on homeowner participation
November 01, 2026 12:00 PM
About 15 regional firefighters and EMTs practiced triaging simulated patients ahead of the Nov. 1 Sikh Parade, which draws roughly 150,000 attendees to a city of 70,000, with no other equipped hospital within 45 miles
November 01, 2026 08:00 AM
The Austin-bound-for-Bahamas Learjet 60 entered a steep dive after reporting icing and turbulence, with the pilot radioing a mayday before crashing near Palm Beach County homes
November 02, 2026 07:03 AM
The NVFC is accepting speaker proposals covering 90-minute sessions on first responder health and safety, recruitment and retention, and emergency service leadership
October 05, 2026 03:39 PM
