TOWN OF WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – After nearly a decade with the district, David Johnston is out as the Town of Watertown Fire Chief, and not by choice.
“Well, it is emotional and it has caused some strife within the department right now,” said Town of Watertown Fire District Public Information Officer Warren Day.
Day explained that Johnston’s removal wasn’t a disciplinary issue; it actually had to do with paperwork. Johnston has Fire Officer 2 Certification, but in order to serve as chief of a fire district with paid staff, you need Fire Officer 3 Certification.
The Town of Watertown Fire District brought on paid firefighters early last year, and once the State Office of Fire Prevention and Control caught wind of Johnston’s lack of certification, it ordered his immediate removal. The fire district had no choice but to listen.
“There is a lot of mixed emotions. This was a decision that was hard. We didn’t have a choice in this. We were told by the state and by civil service that he was not able to serve. So it’s a lot of mixed emotions,” said Day.
7News also spoke with the former chief. He tells us he understands that the law is the law, but that doesn’t make the ordeal sting any less.
“I understand the law, the rules, and the regulations, but at the same time, I am hurt. This came out of nowhere. I was totally blindsided by it,” said Johnston.
Johnston will remain as a paid firefighter with the fire district. For now, the job responsibilities of the fire chief are being fulfilled by the district’s 3 assistant chiefs, and the search for Johnston’s replacement is underway.
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