SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WLIO) — As the investigation continues into Shawnee Fire Chief Austin Miller, a letter submitted to the township trustees is raising concerns about the probe and its impact on public safety.
George Davis, District 1 Vice President of the Ohio Association of Professional Fire Fighters, wrote the letter to Shawnee Township trustees expressing his “deep concern and disappointment regarding the recent actions taken against Fire Chief Miller.” Davis also raised concerns about the construction timeline for the new fire station and staffing levels, stating, “Every delay in bolstering our fire and EMS capabilities leaves our citizens vulnerable.” At Monday night’s township meeting, Your News Now asked the Shawnee trustees for an update on the investigation and for their response to the concerns outlined in Davis' letter.
“The trustees cannot speak about the details of an open investigation. We will share as much as we are able to share as soon as we are able. We want the residents of Shawnee Township to know that they are safe with our police and fire protection,” says Joe Recker, Shawnee Township Trustee.
On May 30, the trustees placed Miller on paid administrative leave. According to Miller’s public personnel file, he received a Group 2 infraction with a written reprimand stemming from an alleged violation of township policy regarding the use of a township-owned vehicle controlled by a department head.
