MILTON TOWNSHIP — Longtime fire Chief Harold Maynard has retired after his being placed on paid administrative leave in early June.

In a letter to trustees, Maynard cited the “current environment” and his inability to respond to allegations that led to his leave as reasons for his decision. The letter, read to attendees at Tuesday’s regular meeting, officially ended Maynard’s 24 years of service to the township.

“With the current environment and allegations made toward my ability to serve on the department and having no ability to respond to these allegations, it is in the best interest of myself and my family to retire from the department. I always gave 100 percent when responding to calls and any request made by the trustees for inspections and participation in public events,” Maynard wrote.

“I have continued to follow the request made in the letter provided on June 2, 2023, to have no contact with any of the firefighters or be on township property, but this has not prevented rumors and allegations being made to the public and neighboring departments in regards to this situation by members of the department.”

Maynard added that during his time as chief, he worked tirelessly to create a working relationship with neighboring departments that he claimed “did not exist” (before his arrival). He also said he started the relationship between the department and University Hospitals and saved the department thousands of dollars in purchasing items.

He concluded the letter by wishing the residents of Milton Township the best during this transition and hoped the level of service provided can remain high after his departure.

Trustees Dave Tomaino and Wendy DiBernardi said they wished Maynard the best. Trustee Ed Villone was absent, but was excused by his colleagues because he is out of town.

In other business, trustees:

•   Approved the replacement of fire tanker 500’s tires. According to interim fire Chief Kenneth Oles, the tires were 17 years old. The National Fire Protection Association requires them to be replaced every seven years;

•   Approved sending David Dunn Jr. and Julliane D’Amico to advanced fire training class. It is a three-day class and costs $450 per person;

•   Approved the resignation of volunteer firefighter Ben Melnykovich after seven years of service;

•   Tabled a decision regarding the programming of 24 radios to enable communication with nearby departments;

•   Approved partaking in yearly fire hose testing with Palmyra, Paris and Edinburg townships totaling $4,200;

•   Approved a quote for the installation of an evidence room door totaling $4,676. According to police Chief Charles VanDyke, the cost includes a Kerri MSC electronic locking mechanism with six key fobs and a Medeco lock with four keys;

•   Set the next meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 15 at the fire station.