Sometimes timing makes all the difference. An Ohio fire chief decided to submit his retirement notice to escape disciplinary charges. He was facing termination related to an investigation into a fatal crash involving a fire truck. 

Ohio fire chief retires to avoid fatal crash investigation 

Columbus Division of Fire Chief Jeed Happ, of Ohio, just submitted his notice of retirement. This comes right as he was facing two disciplinary charges related to how he handled a fatal fire truck crash. 

Happ was scheduled to meet with the city’s public safety director, Kate Pishotti, but the meeting was conveniently canceled because of his notice. 

A fire engine was being driven by firefighter Tyler Conners when it crossed lanes of traffic on Interstate 270. Timothy Wiggenes hit the back of the truck and died due to his injuries. 

Allegedly, Happ failed as a supervisor to discipline the probationary firefighter responsible for the crash. Pishotti shared that Happ’s “neglect of duty charge stems from performing a job assignment carelessly or negligently.”

According to 10 TV, specifications for the charges include: 

• Failure to discipline subordinates or to initiate formal disciplinary action against subordinates for violations of work rules, policies, or directives. 
• Failing to perform supervisory, managerial, or administrative duties competently. 
• Failing to administer and support policies, directives, or other requirements of the City, or otherwise engaging in conduct that undermines the mission or the reputation of the City. 

A private investigation allegedly reports that Happ called the Connershearing a demonstration for the sake of appearances. Also, Happ went in with no intention of holding the firefighter accountable for policy violations.