Board wants chief back

Feb. 20, 2007

By Russell Stigall

Frontiersman

WASILLA - Suspended Fire Chief Jack Krill won the support of the Wasilla-Lakes fire service area board of supervisors, but still could lose his job.

In its meeting Monday night, the board issued a unanimous vote for Krill's retention and prompt return to duty. However, the decision whether to terminate Krill still rests in the hands of borough manager John Duffy.

When asked Monday whether he would make his decision about Krill as soon as possible, Duffy responded, &#8220Oh, yeah.”

As to what that decision might be, when the board asked Duffy whether the charges against Krill warranted termination, Duffy said, &#8220You have the same information I do. To me it is clear. What I am looking for is your advice.”

Duffy placed Krill, 31, on administrative leave in November. The borough kept the reasons why under wraps, citing

confidentiality.

It was a personal matter that forced Krill's suspension, Duffy said.

The investigation was conducted by Patricia Von Ah, the borough's human resource manager. Her investigation began in October, according to information from the borough.

Last December, Duffy said he expected the investigation to be complete in 10 days to two weeks. It lasted more than three months.

Michael Keenan took over the duties of fire chief while Krill was suspended. Krill has been with the Mat-Su Fire Department three years.

At Monday's board meeting, an executive session was scheduled to hear the borough's reasons for terminating Krill.

However, Krill opted to hold his hearing in public, waiving

confidentiality.

During the hearing, the reasons for Krill's leave were revealed along with several secondary charges found during the investigation.

The borough looked into allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation, shouting and dictatorial micromanaging resulting in employee resignation, allowing a responder to return to station after consuming alcohol, allowing Explorer Scouts to take part in live fire training without permission from borough superiors, interfering with Alaska State Troopers in an ongoing drug investigation, and creating conflict between married responders during a divorce.

The secondary charges were misuse of borough Internet and delay in returning several borough computers, and erasing material from those computers.

During the hearing, the fire service board read borough documentation stating that, out of 150 employees who work under Krill, the borough interviewed 10.

The main protagonist was responder Paula Wiess. Wiess played a part in the accusations for sexual harassment and retaliation, micromanaging and the alcohol charge.

Her information was questioned by the board since the investigation by Von Ah turned up no evidence of sexual harassment or retaliation.

Krill also was said to have caused conflict between married responders by helping purchase a cell phone for the wife.

The borough believed Krill and the wife had a relationship before she was married. Krill responded that the couple had moved to Alaska married, and he had no prior contact with either of them. He also said he cosigned for the phone and did not purchase it.

The board of supervisors looked at the other accusations and saw them as judgment calls that did not amount to a termination offense.

Contact Russell Stigall at 352-2267 or russell.stigall@

frontiersman.com.