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Washington alters ambulance director suspension
WASHINGTON — After a 90-minute closed session Tuesday morning “to discuss with counsel matters that are presently in litigation or where litigation is imminent” the Washington County Board of Supervisors has altered the terms of Ambulance Director Jeremy Peck’s suspension from the service.
Peck was previously placed on 1-month administrative leave without pay and ordered to undergo further human resources training Oct. 20, with county officials citing “Personnel matters” they were “not at liberty” to discuss in-depth.
After the closed session, the board took four actions in a row. Each passed unanimously without discussion.
- Retaining out-of-county attorneys for legal advice on employment issues
- Rescinding Peck’s previous leave without pay
- Placing Peck on paid administrative leave pending investigation, effective immediately
- Appointing, Pat Curl the interim director of the ambulance department. Curl was previously the assistant director, and a paramedic.
During public comments before doors to the supervisor office closed, Emergency Medical Service staff brought a letter to the board, saying ambulance staff requested a “vote of no confidence” for the department’s “current administration.”
“Right now, a complete lack of transparency and accountability exists among the leadership,” Washington County Paramedic Mike Freel said. “The environment is at an all-time highly toxic level within the ambulance groups.”
Freel said staff feared unfair repercussions for calling attention to the issue.
“We … hesitate because we fully believe that if this letter does not have the desired result, and we continue to work under the current administration, there will most certainly be retaliation, be it blatant or subtle,” the letter read. “We will ultimately pay a high price for doing what we know in our heart is the right thing for the citizens and employees, current and future, (of) Washington County.”
Freel said the employees had shown solidarity by signing the letter, signaling the group’s strong convictions on issues at the ambulance service, specifics of which remain unclear.
“Disheartening is a very strong word, but … if the current administration is left in place, this county, these citizens and respective QRS groups stand to lose many dedicated employees and volunteers,” he said. “We all have concerns that cannot be overlooked or disregarded. Results for the initial investigation … strengthen the validity of our concerns.”
Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com
Washington County Paramedic Mike Freel called for a "vote of no confidence" against the ambulance department's leadership before a closed session Tuesday morning (Kalen McCain/The Union)
