The Wellsville Volunteer Fire Department is under siege, from within. As a five decade member said this afternoon, "I've never seen it this bad."
At issue is the village board's decision not to approve the appointment of 1st Assistant Fire Chief Mike "Barney" Dillie. The Board has played it close to the vest, not saying publicly why they chose not to confirm Dillie in a leadership role. Last month, scores of volunteers attended a village meeting to support Dillie. The village took no action. Now, another faction of volunteers to include the Wellsville Fire Company (a merged effort of the former Genesee and McEwen Hose) and the Dyke Street Engine Company plan to attend Monday's village board meeting. Their proposed message to village leaders is "keep Dillie out."
Wellsville Regional News obtained a letter sent from the Wellsville Fire Company to village mayor Randy Shayler and other village officials. The letter leads of with "The Wellsville Fire Company would like to file a complaint as the workplace in which we work in has become extremely hostile, and we must ask that measures be taken to remedy the situation." The letter listed eight instances of alleged abuse by the Assistant Chief, to include repeatedly calling the Wellsville Fire Company the "Welfare Company." The letter then "respectfully requests that Mr. Dillie be held accountable for his actions." The letter continues to say "He (Dillie) makes members feel uncomfortable and actually interferes with our ability to work."
As happened last month, more fire department members plan to show up at the next village board meeting. They have reportedly selected a primary spokesperson to address the board. They want a new election ordered so a new 1st assistant fire chief can be selection.
This action is nearly unheard of in Wellsville, but is a sign of the times. Volunteerism has dwindled. Newly appointed and returning fire chief Bill Cavanaugh said to WRN last month that his call was to return honor and respect to the local fire service. Given the present-day circumstances, he has his hands full.
We reached out to mayor Randy Shayler this afternoon...he confirmed that he received the letter and said the village will continue to review the situation. As for firefighters attending the meeting, Shayler said " everyone is always welcome to attend and speak at our meetings."
