Visser: cops looking at fire department
Councillor Dick Visser says police are investigating alleged financial discrepancies in the Puslinch Fire Department and he still wants the township to conduct its own investigation.
However, an OPP spokesman could not confirm local police are involved.
Last week, Visser again asked council if the township was going to investigate alleged discrepancies in the department under the watch of former Fire Chief Dan Quinnell and his son, fire prevention officer Richard Quinnell.
The Quinnells were fired by the township on Dec. 8 and a month later launched a wrongful dismissal lawsuit, seeking almost $900,000 in damages from the municipality.
Mayor Brad Whitcombe told Visser he could provide an update to council in a closed session, as per advice from the township’s lawyer.
Before entering the closed session Visser told council a number of concerned residents have formed a group and have asked the Ontario Provincial Police to investigate the matter.
According to Visser, the request has been granted and an investigating officer has already been assigned the case.
The next day, OPP Constable Mark Cloes said he can not comment on any case until charges have been laid or a court date set.
“If there was an investigation [in this matter], we don’t tell people that,” Cloes said. “We’re not allowed to confirm or discuss any ongoing investigations.”
