Wellsville Village Board to meet with embattled Assistant Fire Chief - no change for now (Corrected)

Fire department member Tim Colligan makes a point to the village board

The Wellsville Village Board took no action Monday night on an embattled fire chief. Earlier this month, the village board denied to retain 1st Assistant Fire Chief Michael "Barney" Dillie. The board appointed past fire chief Bill Cavanaugh to lead the Department. Tonight, more than two dozen firefighters, to include the current and past fire chiefs, made a show of support for Dillie. Tim Colligan is a former village trustee and fire department member. He was the lone spokesperson who asked the village board to "rescind your actions." Colligan referenced Section 10 of the Municipal Law which places the responsibility on the village to call for another delegate convention to select a chief. Until then, Colligan said, the fire department can't legally move forward with an election. "We don't know what the issues are (with Dillie)," Colligan said. He added "it's obvious we believe a wrong happened to Barney Dillie."
Mayor Randy Shayler responded saying "I know this is a big issue," noting this is the biggest public attendance at a meeting since he took office.
While no immediate action was taken, the mayor said the board will ask to meet with Dillie in executive session during the next meeting to discuss the issues. It's unclear if any action will take place next month or not. Returning fire chief Bill Cavanaugh said of the village action that "it was expected." He did tell the village board that he was modifying the fire department response policy to "get equipment rolling." Cavanaugh said the department continues to be plagued by budget and equipment issues. He said, "we gotta find funding." 

Fire department members raise their hands to show support for Dillie