Evansville Fire Merit Commission Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Evansville Fire Merit Commission met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. with all members present, establishing a quorum. The meeting covered approval of prior minutes, a public request for reinstatement, approval of disciplinary findings, payment of bills, and a report from the Fire Chief.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 12, 2026 meeting (unanimous).
• Approved minutes of the special meeting on May 26, 2026 (unanimous).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mr. Alexander (the disciplined firefighter) addressed the commission, stating he had been following a 12-week program at Crossroads Christian Church and attended an appointment on June 1. He admitted to the facts of his case, expressed remorse, and asked the commission to amend its decision by reinstating him as a private with a suspension of 30 or 60 days. He acknowledged the commission’s authority to suspend or terminate but requested leniency.
• President Dickinson responded that final action had been taken and that the merit ordinance requires specific steps; the commission no longer had jurisdiction. Attorney Keith Fondry (via phone) confirmed that the board’s action was final, but noted Mr. Alexander has a right to appeal within 30 days of the May 26 hearing. He explained the findings of fact include the statutory citation for appeal, and a transcript would be provided to Mr. Alexander or his attorney (Mr. Masseson) by June 15. Mr. Alexander was advised to obtain a copy of the transcript electronically or via thumb drive.

Discussion Items

• Approval of Written Findings and Conclusions from May 26, 2026 Disciplinary Hearing – After public comment, the commission voted unanimously to approve the findings of fact (motion carried with all ayes; no opposition noted).
• Bills for Payment
  • ColorMax: $1,198 for two canopies and two table coverings for recruitment events (stored at East and West Shiptops). Approved unanimously.
  • Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office: $270.76 for first quarter overtime. Approved unanimously.
  • Mid-America Fire and Safety: $1,484 for retirement badges (13 badges, $114.15 each). Approved unanimously.
• Chief’s Report
  • Training update: Three spring recruits completed Firefighter I and II and were assigned to stations (one per shift). Four remaining spring recruits entered the G&T class, joined by nine new summer recruits.
  • Promotions: Probationary firefighters Chris Vivit, Jacob Fleming, Brendan Willem, Marquise Strump, Zane Dillon, and Jeffrey Taylor completed their probationary year and were promoted to the rank of firefighter/EMT. Chad Jordan, Chad Buttery, and Joe Hall completed probation as Incident Safety Officer; Dustin Klein as Inspector; Dustin Caposta as Captain. Chief recommended all promotions to the commission.
  • Temporary Captain Matthew Masseson was voted back to the rank of firefighter (vacancy filled by Captain Gary Modley, who returned from injury after nearly two years).
  • Disciplinary actions: One verbal warning for refusal of a mandated callback (firefighter had to care for his children), and two coachings for failure to check apparatus resulting in an empty air cylinder. Chief noted the callback situation might need union discussion; a meeting was scheduled for Friday.

Key Outcomes

• Approved minutes of May 12 and May 26 meetings (unanimous).
• Approved written findings and conclusions from the May 26 disciplinary hearing, which terminates Mr. Alexander’s employment. The commission declined to reinstate or amend its decision; advised Mr. Alexander of his right to appeal within 30 days.
• Authorized payments totaling $2,942.76 to ColorMax, Vanderburgh County Sheriff’s Office, and Mid-America Fire and Safety.
• Chief’s recommended promotions were noted and will be formalized by motion at a future meeting.
• Disciplinary actions (verbal warning and two coachings) were reported and accepted.
• Next meeting scheduled for July 14, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. in the same room.
• Meeting adjourned unanimously.