Dear Editor:
I would like to say how disappointed and saddened I was to read such bias regarding the Fire Department at the end of an otherwise positive article by Mr. McMahon in his commentary about the Fireman’s Ball.
After reading the article, I looked up the definition of journalist. I was surprised that the words truth and fairness are not found in the definition. Therefore, I guess I should not be surprised when truth and fairness are not something I should expect from Mr. McMahon.
I do think it is fair to say that prior to Mr. McMahon’s tenure here, it appeared to be the paper’s goal to present the facts with truth and fairness.
Mr. McMahon makes a case that the reason the fire chief is leaving is because he is being forced to do so. That is not the case.
Chief Cook had been here nearly a year and was due for a performance review. During an open meeting Chief Cook and each board member were given a blank copy of the review form to be filled out and presented at the next fire board meeting.
At no time during this meeting was there any discussion regarding terminating Chief Cook.
The following Monday, prior to the next board meeting, Chief Cook notified each board member individually stating he was resigning, but did not give a specific date. Later that same week, he sent out an email to the entire department telling them of his resignation, but again he did not specify a date.
At our next meeting the board asked Marshall for a specific resignation date and April 15 was agreed upon. That resignation date provided Chief Cook with over two months to find another position.
That being said, it should be clear as to why I am confused by all the outcry regarding Marshall leaving the department. He made the choice, not the board or the members of the department.
If anyone has questions regarding the fire board or the fire department please feel free to contact me or any other board member.
Sherri Halandras
Member
Meeker Fire and Rescue
Board of Directors
Meeker
