After concluding its investigation into the Ottumwa Fire Department, the city of Ottumwa has fired three firefighters. Firefighters Derek Fye, Dillon McPherson, along with Captain Bill Keith have all been relieved of their responsibilities.
The city reports that McPherson has chosen to resign rather than be fired. His and Fye’s dismissal was the result of their actions and behaviors that violated department rules, safe practices, and the values and standards of the City of Ottumwa.
Keith was fired for what the city describes as his “failure to adequately lead those under his command and displaying an attitude of indifference toward holding employees accountable to the values and standards of the department and the city of Ottumwa.”
The city says it would try to temporarily divide the duties among the remaining employees as it searches for long-term replacements for the three departing workers.