Wiltbank dismissed as District 2 chief

The Lewis County Fire District 2 Board of Commissioners has voted to terminate the employment of former chief Grant Wiltbank, effective as of Dec. 15.

Though approved during the board's regular meeting on Dec. 11, Board Chair Dave Beal has declined to comment as to why the decision was made, stating he feels it would be inappropriate to offer such a statement until after the board sends an official letter to Wiltbank detailing their decision, which he said should be drafted sometime this week.

Prior to Wiltbank's dismissal, a number of volunteers and staff within District 2, based in Toledo, had expressed frustrations to this newspaper regarding a perceived lack of leadership and administrative support from Wiltbank, though commissioners have yet to state if such factors were part of their decision.

District 2 is now being led by Assistant Chief Mike Dorothy until officials are able to seek out a new chief, with such efforts expected to begin sometime after the first of the year.

Though no longer with District 2, Wiltbank remains the operations chief for Lewis County Medic One, however his leadership has been called into question there, as well.

Members of the employees' union submitted a letter to Medic One on Oct. 28 stating they had cast a vote of no confidence in Wiltbank, citing concerns regarding his management and levels of communication, among other issues.

Since receiving the letter, the board of directors overseeing Medic One has met twice in executive session to discuss a complaint brought against an employee of the agency, but has yet to publicly respond to the letter or render a decision regarding Wiltbank's continued employment.

When interviewed regarding Medic One business on Dec. 16, Wiltbank indicated he had no comment regarding District 2's decision.