News » Top Video

Trustee Within His Rights, Fire Chief Concerned For Safety

By Stephanie Parkinson
May 10, 2012 Updated May 10, 2012 at 5:54 PM EDT

ST. JOSEPH TOWNSHIP, Ind. (Indiana’s NewsCenter) - The battle between a township trustee and a volunteer fire chief continues.

The St. Joseph Township fire chief says equipment is being sold without his knowledge. Indiana’s NewsCenter found out the township trustee is staying within his rights.

The trustee sent a list of items for sale to neighboring townships. So far a search and rescue boat has been sold. Also on that list is an engine, rehab bus and older command vehicle.

Along with selling equipment salaried firefighters were let go earlier this year. The St. Joseph Township Trustee, Richard Uhrick is allowed to do this because the firefighters were township employees and the township owns the fire department’s equipment.

"There's no question in my mind that if this is what that power can lead to, the abuse of that power, in my opinion, then it's not right, it shouldn't be allowed to happen. There should be laws designed around it. I fully support, based on what I'm personally experiencing, Mitch Daniels desire to eliminate township government,” said Chief Jerry Lencke, St. Joseph Township Fire Department.

Chief Lencke says he's forced to ask for aid from neighboring communities every time they get dispatched. He says that's because his fire department doesn't have the resources anymore during the daytime hours.

While the township trustee is allowed to sell equipment and let staff go he is also charged with the responsibility to have adequate fire protection. At this point, the fire chief tells me he doesn't think the community has adequate fire protection.

Thursday Uhrick refused an interview with Indiana's NewsCenter.



What are your thoughts CLICK HERE to leave us a "Your2Cents” comment.

Want to be in the know for the next weather event, the next school closing or the next big breaking news story?

TextCaster alerts from Indiana's NewsCenter are your defining source for instant information delivered right to your cell phone and email. It's free, easy and instant. Sign-Up Now!
Powered by Summit City Chevrolet



© Copyright 2013 A Granite Broadcasting Station. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

To submit a comment on this article, your email address is required. We respect your privacy and your email will not be visible to others nor will it be added to any email lists.