Fire 12 has contentious meeting

Fire District 12 Commissioner Nick Jones requested at the March 19 commission meeting that any “members or commissioners” in the district who are under investigation be immediately suspended until the inquiry is complete.

Fire 12 covers western Mason County, including Matlock and some areas of eastern Grays Harbor County.

“It was stated at the last meeting by Mason County Sheriff’s Office that members of the district are under investigation. We should work with the sheriff’s office to determine the names of the members or commissioners who are under investigation. I would like all members that are under investigation to be placed on leave and not be allowed in the station, vehicles or to respond to calls,” Jones said.

He said everyone under investigation should return all district property, including keys, pagers, credit cards, vehicles, computers and cellphones.

If that takes the commission below a quorum, Jones said he would request help from county commissioners to pay bills and operate the district.

Jones did not make a motion on the request.

“There’s been no communication with the sheriff’s office and the fire district,” Commissioner Kelli Walsworth said.

“The sheriff’s office, to my knowledge, has not reached out to anyone,” she said.

“Let’s reach out to them,” Jones responded.

An accountability audit and fraud investigation released by the state Auditor’s Office in September 2022 said the district misappropriated almost $70,000 in public money and paid $95,000 in unsupported expenses.

In January, Reps. Travis Couture and Dan Griffey, both Republicans from Allyn, wrote to Attorney General Bob Ferguson about the district, asking the state to look into malfeasance.

“Our offices have been contacted by several concerned constituents regarding alleged inappropriate and possible criminal behavior by members of Fire District 12’s board of commissioners. These allegations include the families of commissioners, as well as volunteers and paid staff,” the letter states.

“We are unaware of any pending investigation or legal action based on the previous audit findings but due to the fact that several of the accused hold multiple positions within the Fire District and local residents have stated a reluctance to contact this facility in the event of an emergency for fear of reprisal. We are asking that an investigation into the allegations of inappropriate and criminal actions by officials in immediate responsibility of public safety be conducted as soon as possible,” the representatives said.

Ferguson responded, saying he could not confirm if there was an ongoing investigation and that he did not have jurisdiction to conduct a criminal investigation.

“As you know, the Attorney General’s Office does not have the legal authority to conduct criminal investigations absent a written request from either an elected county prosecutor, or in rare cases the governor. On January 24, 2024, a member of my Criminal Justice Division discussed this matter with Mason County Prosecutor Michael Dorcy. At this time, my office has not received a written request from either Mr. Dorcy or Governor Inslee. Absent such a written request, my office does not have jurisdiction and cannot lawfully conduct a criminal investigation,” Ferguson wrote.

Ferguson did say he “understood” the FBI was investigating.

“The State Auditor’s report finding a misappropriation of public funds at District 12 is deeply concerning. It is our understanding that the FBI is already conducting the investigation you have requested,” according to Ferguson.

Chief’s report

Chief Brian Walsworth gave his monthly report at the meeting, saying the district responded to 15 EMS calls and two fire calls.

He said they were small fires and the district was able to handle them alone.

“Actually, one of those was handled by another department because there wasn’t anybody in District 12 available that day,” Kelli Walsworth, Brian Walsworth’s wife, said.

She said West Mason Fire and Fire District 13 responded to the call.