Krill probe under wraps

April 6, 2007

By Russell Stigall

Frontiersman

MAT-SU - Borough assembly members met in a closed executive session Tuesday night to talk about one of the borough's own.

The executive session was called by assembly member Mary Kvalheim to discuss matters &#8220which would clearly have an adverse effect upon the finances of the Borough, particularly to discuss Borough Manager John Duffy's personnel investigation of Fire Chief Jack Krill Jr., and the process of investigation,” according to the assembly agenda.

The assembly meet in a closed-door session for more than an hour and adjourned without comment.

Earlier, during audience participation, a sizable contingent of fire department and emergency medical service personnel attended the meeting to comment. Unlike in previous meetings concerning Krill's termination, the responders did not speak in Krill's favor. Instead, Duffy, who was Krill's top supervisor and eventual terminator, received support.

&#8220You do have the support of many of the responders,” said Jenny Gee, a three-year veteran of Central Mat-Su Emergency Medical Service. &#8220Many who have remained silent for a long time, but were afraid to come forward.”

Duffy put Krill on paid suspension last November to investigate harassment allegations brought to the borough by Paula Wiess, EMS responder and Krill subordinate.

Borough Human Resource Manager Patricia Von Ah conducted the investigation. Though Von Ah and Duffy decided not to pursue the harassment charges, other allegations surfaced that the borough considered sufficient for termination.

Duffy terminated Krill officially March 20. Since then, Krill has appealed.

Roy Roistacher, Station 62, said he has been in the department for years. He said there has been a silent majority of first responders of Central Mat-Su who did not want Krill as chief.

&#8220We can no longer remain silent,” Roistacher said.

The borough conducted a thorough investigation, Roistacher said.

&#8220There has been due process beyond the realm of what is even required,” Roistacher said. &#8220We have supported John Duffy from the beginning.”

Krill has caused the department to be seen in a bad light, Roistacher said.

&#8220During the brief tenure of our former chief we've become a laughingstock,” Roistacher said.

Roistacher also said he has no trust in the Wasilla-Lakes Fire Service Area board. The board met in February to hear Duffy's case against Krill. The board unanimously requested Krill be returned to his job, though their decision was only advisory.

Ken Slauson, Wasilla-Lake FSA board chair said the board has objected to Duffy's decision from the outset. Slausen called Duffy's investigation a witch hunt, with &#8220an appalling lack of objectivity.”

&#8220High time the borough has a more adequate process for conducing investigations,” Slauson said.

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