Matlock fire district dismisses chief Tuesday

Matt Baide | Apr 21, 20220

The three commissioners for Mason County Fire Distrcit 12 in Matlock voted unanimously Tuesday afternoon to dismiss fire chief Kelli Walsworth without cause at the district’s monthly meeting.

The vote took place after a 20-minute executive session.

Commissioner Albert Wilder said after the vote that the community wants a new fire chief.

“Is it the right choice? I highly doubt it,” Wilder said. “Is it the choice they wanted? Absolutely. As commissioners, it is our job to represent you, the constituents. I just hope this doesn’t backfire on us, but we just fired somebody who is the most dedicated person this department has had in over 15 years, had responded to more than 90% of the calls in 15 years. You will not find that in another department anywhere, nowhere, you most certainly won’t find that from a fire chief. I hope this works out in the long run, short term, it sucks. I didn’t take this job to do that.”

Wilder said Walsworth will assist the commissioners in reviewing a pending audit by the state Auditor’s Office. The district is also looking for a new secretary and a fire chief.