The Odon Town Hall erupted in tension this week as a record-breaking crowd confronted the Council over the future of the Volunteer Fire Department. In a heated session marked by sharp exchanges, residents and veteran firefighters accused the board of "micromanaging" volunteers and failing to address a critical lapse in medical certifications.
Despite the combative atmosphere and allegations of political retaliation, the meeting reached a breaking point that forced the Council to abandon its interim plan and appoint a new Fire Chief on the spot.
Critical Issues Raised
The BLS Certification Crisis
A significant portion of the meeting focused on the BLS (Basic Life Support) non-transport certification.
- The Problem: It was revealed that the department’s certification expired on January 1, 2026. Without this, EMRs and EMTs cannot legally function under a medical director’s license during emergency calls.
- The Impact: One speaker noted a recent emergency call where the response was delayed by 20 minutes because local volunteers could not legally respond as medical personnel.
- The Paperwork: While paperwork had been prepared, it was never filed. Furthermore, the state requires the signature of a Chief to reactivate the certification, a position that was currently vacant.
Allegations of Past Mismanagement
Savilla Jones (wife of a firefighter) raised several concerns regarding the former Fire Chief’s conduct:
- Equipment Sales: Allegations that a set of "Jaws of Life" and an old rescue truck were sold for as little as $1 to a for-profit academy owned by a friend of the former chief.
- Station Use: Allegations that the station and town equipment were used by a private company for profit without reimbursement to the town.
- Personnel Issues: Concerns over the removal of long-standing volunteers without stated reasons and the suspension of firefighters Brian Jones and Alan Hart.
The "Volunteer vs. Employee" Debate
There was significant friction regarding the town’s attempt to classify firefighters as "employees" subject to the town handbook.
- Veteran Response: Long-time volunteers (some with over 30 years of service) argued they are strictly volunteers, not employees, and expressed frustration at being forced to follow a handbook they had only recently received.
- Legal Perspective: The town attorney clarified that "volunteer" is a specific legal definition that requires certain town ordinances to be in place, which the town is currently trying to rectify.
Resolutions and Action Items
The meeting moved toward a resolution when Griffin Major, a professional firefighter and EMT, addressed the board. He stressed that the community's safety was at risk due to the lack of leadership and valid certifications.
Appointment of Leadership
In a pivotal moment, the board shifted from their plan of "interim" management to appointing a formal leader:
- Motion: A motion was made to appoint Griffin Major as Fire Chief.
- Vote: The motion passed 3-0.
- Immediate Task: Chief Major will sign and submit the necessary BLS certification paperwork immediately to restore legal medical response capabilities to the department.
| Issue | Status |
| Fire Chief | Appointed (Griffin Major) |
| BLS Certification | To be filed immediately |
| Bylaws Update | Ongoing review by Town Attorney |
| Employee Handbook | Under dispute/review for volunteers |
Closing Conflict: PAC Complaint
The meeting concluded with a tense exchange regarding a Public Access Counselor (PAC) complaint filed by Brian Jones. Savilla Jones alleged that the town board had previously violated the Open Door Law and suggested that the recent suspensions of Jones and Hart were acts of retaliation. Doug Benjamin denied any vendetta, stating the actions were taken to resolve internal issues.
