HomeMy WebLinkAbout8B - Fire Department Report
4646 Dakota Street S.E.
Prior Lake, MN 55372-1714
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
AGENDA ITEM:
PRESENTATION: Prior La
MEETING DATE:
AGENDA #:
PREPARED BY:
January 16, 2007
8B
Frank Boyles, City Manag
PRESENTATION:
The City Council is aware of the resignation of Fire Chief Bruce Sames.
Attached is the press release that was widely distributed to provide basic
information on the topic. I will provide an update, and introduce Fire Chief
Douglas Hartman and 18t Assistant Chief James Larson Jr.
RECOMMENDED
MOTION:
No action is requested or required by the Council.
www.cityofpriorlake.com
I:\COUNCIL \AGNRPTS\2007\011607 ~olri~~g~.~ f.r~8~a~~952.44 7.4245
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 11, 2007
Contact: Frank Boyles, City Manager, 952.292.0400; 952.447.9800
FIRE CHIEF BRUCE SAMES RESIGNS
On January 9,2007, City Manager Frank Boyles accepted the resignation of Prior Lake Fire Chief Bruce Sames from the Prior Lake
Volunteer Fire Department effective immediately. Speaking with great regret and sorrow, Sames stated, Due to circumstances that
transpired over the past year in my persona/life and in my fire chief duties, I believe it is in the best interest of the Fire Department
and the City of Prior Lake that I resign immediately.'
On Monday, Jan. 8, Sames admitted withdrawing $13,463 over approximately a one year period from a Fire Department
administered miscellaneous expense fund. He said the funds were used to support a gambling addiction. The fund includes monies
collected from the annual firefighter dance and chicken barbeque. According to Prior Lake City Manager Frank Boyles, Sames
repaid the full amount of $13,463 to the fund on Wednesday, Jan 10.
Boyles further advised that the firefighterltraining officer responsible for the fund, Brian Davis, has been suspended indefinitely
pending further investigation. Mr. Davis was aware of, and ultimately reported, the inappropriate withdrawals. The City has
confirmed to its satisfaction that Mr. Davis did not receive any monies.
The checking account for this fund has been frozen and is to be closed. The funds will be transferred to an annually audited
account requiring two signatures for withdrawal and under the oversight of the treasurer of the Fire Department Pension Fund.
Boyles also asked for a review of all 2006-2007 Fire Department budget requests, as well as the Pension Fund managed by the
Fire Department, to assure no other irregularities exist. The City Finance Director and Fire Department Pension Fund Treasurer
have completed their analysis. Neither fund was affected.
The Scott County Sheriffs office is investigating the allegations. No charges have been filed and representatives of the Prior Lake
Police Department and Scott County Sheriffs office can offer no comment while the matter is under investigation.
1st Assistant Fire Chief Douglas Hartman will assume the duties of Fire Chief, and 2nd Assistant Fire Chief James Larson, Jr. will
become 1st Assistant Fire Chief. An election will be conducted to fill the 2nd Assistant Fire Chief position and training officer position.