KSLA News 12 Shreveport, Louisiana |Dubberly fire chief fired

Dubberly fire chief fired

By Fred Childers - bio|email

DUBBERLY, LA (KSLA) - "It was an injustice to the district," said Former Fire Chief of the Dubberly Volunteer Fire Department, John Smith. He and four of his board members were fired by the board of commissioners Tuesday night.

" Stunned," said Smith.

A letter of termination was given to Smith during Tuesday nights commissioner's meeting, said to be attended by many concerned citizens.

When asked what they were concerned about, Sam Hollinger, the new board president responded, "Corruption".

The accusations are that Smith used the department's resources for personal gain, and put his family in charge of it all.

"I can't believe he did it because I've known him for quite a while," said Margaret Langlys, a Dubberly resident.

"Just have to wait to see if it's true," said Tommy Wallace, another resident.

The accusations of nepotism, misuse of funds, and misuse of equipment, are just that, accusations. To date the Webster Parish Sheriff's Office says no reports have been filed.

"The administration board has constitutional by laws regulations and there have all been met to the letter," said Smith.

 "I'm very disappointed if it is...all I can say," said Langlys.

 Smith has been chief of the small fire department for more than 20 years, and worries that the burning controversy that now surrounds it will ultimately affect the services it provides.

KSLA News 12 tried to contact the treasurer of the commission, Don Sayers, but phone calls were not immediately returned.

 However, the mayor of Dubberly said in a phone interview that Dubberly's fire services are intact, and residents will not go without protection.

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