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.
