KINGSVILLE TOWNSHIP — Jennifer Swiger has seen tragedy and tears.
In her 15 years as a firefighter and paramedic, Swiger has delivered more bad news to people than she cares to remember. On Sunday, Swiger was experiencing what she called, “a tragedy in my fire family.”
A crisp breeze blew the first colorful leaves across the gazebo in Kingsville Township Sunday as Swiger, a former firefighter and paramedic for the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Department, spoke to 40 supporters of Fire Chief Chip Laugen.
Swiger, who is Laugen’s niece, resigned in support of her uncle.
Laugen remains on paid administrative leave until 14 allegations are investigated including charges of inadequate maintenance of fire apparatus, personal use of department equipment, misuse of payroll, allowing drinking in the fire department, and yelling profanities at employees.
“We are a family in that building and they are trying to tear us apart,” Swiger said.
The public will have the opportunity to provide testimony for and against Laugen Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Kingsville Volunteer Fire Hall.
Fire department auxiliary member Tom Burris said Laugen’s supporters hoped to convince residents to attend the meeting.
Firefighter and emergency medical technician Mary Martin Stouffer said more than half of the department’s roster will resign if Laugen is not reinstated.
“We are here to show the cohesiveness of our brotherhood,” Stouffer said. “I can’t imagine who will lead this department if Chip isn’t reinstated. I want to make this clear: We are not making threats. We just don’t know how our department will run without (Laugen).”
Stouffer said she feels the charges, which were made by a fellow firefighter, are, “an act of retaliation after disciplinary action.”
“All of these allegations are issues that should have been brought up in our department meetings. The complaints were months or even years old and they should have been brought up at the time they happened,” she said.
Assistant Chief of EMS Angie Cliff was reinstated Sept. 21 after she was placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation. Investigators found there were no basis for the allegations against her.
Burris said the township needs its fire department as a whole.
At the advice of his attorney, Laugen didn’t attend the rally but sent a letter to be read to the crowd.
“As with any organization, there will be differences among members, just as in family life, but to trust someone with your life or the lives of your children establishes a special bond among us. Too many times the good is overshadowed b y the actions of a few, for whatever the reason,” he wrote.
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Gazebo scene of rally for Chip Laugen
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