PORT TOWNSEND — Chuck Tandy resigned Tuesday as chief of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue after eight months as head of Jefferson County’s largest fire district, citing family issues.
The separation agreement, effective immediately, says that Tandy — who was hired Nov. 25 and began his first day of work Jan. 15 at an annual salary of $90,000 — will be paid severance in two installments of $27,335 on the dates of Oct. 5 and Jan. 5.
The agreement also said that while Tandy, 54, resigned voluntarily, the agreement does not prevent him from representing the situation as a resignation “in lieu of termination” for the purpose of seeking unemployment compensation.
After a closed executive session meeting with East Jefferson Fire-Rescue commissioners that lasted for an hour and 20 minutes, Tandy delivered an emotional resignation speech as the meeting was opened to the public.
“Commissioners and members of the press, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you for this surreal opportunity to work with all of you,” Tandy said.
“Unfortunately, due to family issues and other concerns, I would like to resign my position.”
Tandy stopped for a moment and caught his breathe as he fought back tears. He then placed his badge on the table in front of the commissioners.
“I offer my sincere thanks to the commissioners, employees, volunteers and the community,” Tandy said. “Thank you so much for my time here.”
The three commissioners then voted to unanimously accept Tandy’s resignation, and the four men signed the separation agreement.
No temporary chief yet
East Jefferson Fire-Rescue Chair Rich Stapf Jr. said he had not yet assigned a temporary chief as of Tuesday night.
“I will meet with the assistant chiefs, and we will discuss it tonight,” Stapf said.
“We will issue a statement later in the week and possibly hold another special meeting.”
At the time of Tandy’s hiring, the district — which serves Port Townsend, Cape George, Chimacum, Irondale, Kala Point, Marrowstone Island and Port Hadlock — had been without a permanent chief since former Chief Mike Mingee left in January 2008 for a position as the Carpinteria-Summerland Fire Protection District chief in Santa Barbara County, Calif.
In his public introduction in October 2008, Tandy said he had 28 years of professional experience, including 17 years in management and administration.
He was the fire chief in Washington City, Utah, when he accepted the job leading East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
During his tenure, Tandy introduced weekly walkthroughs of local businesses to identify fire and safety concerns, held meetings with business owners on fire related topics and implemented a competitive structure to the recruitment process of volunteer and resident firefighters.
After the meeting, Tandy praised the district.
“I want to express my gratitude,” Tandy said.
“We have a strong district here, a strong volunteer and resident program and a strong staff.
“I’m extremely proud to have worn the badge of East Jefferson Fire-Rescue.
“I believe we made good progress in my tenure here.”
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.