By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – Howard Township Supervisor Michael Sutherland will recommend at Tuesday's Board of Trustees meeting that Township Fire Chief Ron Fazi be demoted to a regular firefighter position.
Sutherland said he made this decision because he feels it is time for a change in leadership.
"Ron is an at-will employee and it's time for the change. If the board agrees with me on Tuesday, we will begin the proper search for a new fire chief," Sutherland said.
When questioned, Sutherland did not give more detail on why he thinks it is time for a change.
Firefighters were concerned Friday about rumors that their fire chief may be removed from his position.
"He (Sutherland) told me everything was running great at the fire department and that I haven't done anything wrong, just that it's time for a change in leadership. I think there's a lot more than what he's saying," Fazi said.
Fazi has been a firefighter for 18 years. For the last four years, he has served as Lt. Capt., assistant fire chief and fire chief.
"I know what it takes when it comes to leadership. If there are no major problems, why am I being demoted?" Fazi questioned.
In the meantime, Sutherland will ask trustees that assistant fire chief Ed Leneway serve as interim fire chief while they search for a new candidate.
"I don't know if I will stay at the station after this. We'll have to see. I am going to tell them that it's been an honor to serve the community and I am ashamed with the township board and what they have done with the community. It's time for the people of the community to stand up," Fazi said.
Tuesday's trustee meeting will take place at 7 p.m. at the Howard Township office, located at 1345 Barron Lake Road.