The Maine town of West Gardiner is expected to soon swear in its first female chief, but the promotion is causing some controversy in the fire department’s ranks, according to a news report.
Some firefighters apparently doubt the qualifications and dedication of Firefighter Vicki Dill, who is in line for the chief’s job, says a report from the Kennebec Journal (http://bit.ly/W6alvu). Dill is signing an undisclosed settlement with the town to resolve complaints that it refused to appoint her as fire chief earlier because she’s a woman. The settlement is expected to be signed this week.
In 2009, the West Gardiner Firemen’s Association elected Dill as fire chief, but town officials intervened and appointed another firefighter to the role, reportedly to avoid “dividing the department on the issue of the next chief.” The president of the association, Scott Taylor, denies any discrimination took place, and said instead there were concerns about Dill’s lack of experience in driving or operating a fire apparatus.
Read more about the situation at http://bit.ly/W6alvu.
