By Al Lowe
The Pittsburgh Tribune Review
DORMONT, Pa. — Dormont council might reappoint Dennis Davis as fire chief, after all.
The decision earlier this month not to retain Davis, a 31-year veteran and chief for eight years, drew complaints from the fire department, and more than 50 of its members showed up at a council meeting this week.
“We do need open lines of communication,” council President Kim Lusardi said in response to the complaints.
Lusardi agreed to have council members Heather Schmidt and Joan Hodson discuss the matter at a meeting with Davis; Jeff Chasfeller, fire department treasurer; and George Nelson, president of the Dormont Fire Company Association.
“We trust that man with our lives. He is one of the finest men I ever met,” fire department Capt. Bryan Taylor said.
The fire department routinely elects its line officers each year and asks council to ratify the appointments and reappointments. This year, council decided not to ratify Davis’ reappointment.
Council members complained that Davis did not attend many meetings when he served as emergency management coordinator from 2003 to 2007.
“Council is not making decisions due to personalities. We’re here to make our town better,” Councilman Drew Lehman said.
Taylor complained that council did not inform the department of its intentions prior to the vote.
“I do apologize. I didn’t know how the vote was going to go,” said Laurie Malka, council vice president.
Chasfeller questioned why council reappointed Davis last year if it had a problem with his performance between 2003 and 2007.
“We ask that you reinstate him,” Chasfeller said.
In other business, council discussed spending up to $4,500 to buy a reverse 911 system, which would inform residents by automated phone messages of any emergencies or important information.
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