Vermilion Fire Department Faces Scrutiny Over Former Officer Rescue

Is Vermilion’s Fire Department Prepared? This Rescue Raised Questions.

VERMILION — On October 20, 2024, Dean Mayer found himself in a life-threatening situation when a tree pinned him to a backhoe on his property. The Vermilion Fire Department (VFD) responded to the scene, but what followed has sparked controversy and raised questions about the department’s response time, leadership, and preparedness. This incident is the latest in a series of challenges faced by the department, drawing scrutiny from the community and city officials.

A Harrowing Timeline

According to records from the Vermilion Police Dispatcher, the 911 call was received at 4:34 p.m. Dean Mayer’s wife frantically described the situation, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance as her husband was trapped in a precarious position under the massive tree.

At 4:38 p.m., VFD Rescue 98 departed the station. This four-minute mobilization period included firefighters arriving from their homes, donning protective gear, and ensuring their equipment was operational. The unit arrived at the scene five minutes later, at 4:43 p.m., marking a prompt response for a rural fire department.

Captain Derek Kuba arrived on the scene at 4:46 p.m. in his personal vehicle and assumed command. He immediately began assessing the complex rescue, directing personnel to stabilize the tree while minimizing the risk of further injury to Mayer. Fire Chief Bill Brown, who was briefed on the situation, later described the scene as a “high-stakes balancing act.”

“This was a highly technical operation,” Brown explained. “Our focus was on stabilizing the tree and ensuring we didn’t cause further harm to Mr. Mayer. Every action required careful coordination and execution to prevent a catastrophic outcome.”

Despite the department’s efforts, it wasn’t until 5:37 p.m. that Mayer was successfully extricated. The nearly hour-long operation has been a focal point of criticism, particularly from Mayer’s wife.

“It felt like an eternity,” Mrs. Mayer recounted. “I’m grateful my husband was freed, but I can’t help but feel it could have been faster. Seeing some of the firefighters standing around while my husband was trapped was incredibly frustrating.”

The department’s report indicates that personnel were tasked with critical safety measures during the rescue, such as monitoring for movement in the unstable tree and ensuring the backhoe’s structure did not shift. However, these tasks may have appeared idle to onlookers. Additionally, the absence of a functioning chainsaw on the primary rescue truck — an issue Chief Brown acknowledged and has since addressed — further delayed the operation. Brown noted that backup saws were eventually brought in from another vehicle.

The incident has spurred heated debates within the community and among city officials, amplifying scrutiny of the fire department’s protocols and preparedness.

Community Concerns and Council Reactions

The handling of the incident was discussed at a city council meeting, where members were overwhelmingly critical of the Vermilion Fire Department’s performance. While a few council members acknowledged the dedication of individual firefighters, most expressed serious concerns about the apparent lack of leadership, organization, and preparedness during the rescue.

A council member expressed concern after reviewing footage of the incident, noting that the lack of clear leadership at the scene contributed to a sense of disorder. They emphasized the importance of strong leadership in emergency situations to ensure smooth and effective operations.

Council President Steve Herron stated that he had not yet watched the body camera footage from the incident and would withhold comment until he had reviewed the videos. His decision reflects a cautious approach to assessing the fire department’s handling of the rescue. Specific calls for better training and resource management were highlighted during the discussion, emphasizing the need for reform to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Among the concerns raised during the city council meeting were multiple criticisms of the Vermilion Fire Department’s handling of the rescue. Captain Derek Kuba faced scrutiny for not wearing proper firefighting attire at the scene, raising questions about safety and professionalism. Additionally, there appeared to be communication issues between the command center, located approximately 1,000 feet from the accident site, and the responders on-site, with reports suggesting significant delays in coordinating resources, including inquiries about the whereabouts of L&M equipment for nearly 30 minutes.

The condition of the equipment also drew criticism. The winch cable used during the operation was found to be frayed and in need of replacement, a factor that likely added to the complexity and time required to complete the rescue. These issues have compounded public concerns about the department’s preparedness and operational standards.

Mayor Jim Forthofer, who also serves as the city’s safety director, stated that he had received a letter from Mrs. Mayer regarding the incident. In response, he offered to meet with her and her husband, Dean, alongside Fire Chief Bill Brown to address their concerns. However, Mrs. Mayer had not responded at the time of reporting. Forthofer’s dual role has also drawn criticism, with some community members questioning whether oversight of the fire department has been adequate under his leadership.

The council’s critical feedback underscores growing frustration with the department’s recent performance, suggesting that systemic reforms may be necessary to restore public trust.

Challenges and Priorities: Fire Chief Bill Brown Responds

In a letter addressing the Dean Mayer incident, Fire Chief Bill Brown outlined the challenges faced by the department during the rescue operation. Brown emphasized that the situation required careful planning and precise execution to avoid further injury to Mr. Mayer, describing the incident as a “complex and technical rescue.” He noted that stabilizing the tree and ensuring Mayer’s safety were top priorities and that these measures necessitated a deliberate pace to minimize risks.

Brown also acknowledged the limitations of the equipment available at the scene, citing a malfunctioning chainsaw on the primary rescue truck as a contributing factor to the delays. He assured city officials and the public that this issue has since been resolved, with additional equipment purchased to prevent similar issues in the future.

Despite the criticism, Brown commended the efforts of his team, highlighting their extensive training and professionalism under challenging circumstances. He expressed frustration over the public perception of inaction, explaining that many tasks performed by firefighters, such as monitoring stability and coordinating resources, may not have been apparent to onlookers but were critical to the operation’s success.

A Department in Crisis

This incident comes amid ongoing issues within the Vermilion Fire Department. Several months prior, four firefighters resigned during a council meeting, citing a “toxic environment” under Fire Chief Bill Brown. The resignations were accompanied by allegations of harassment, favoritism, and poor leadership.

“The lack of action and accountability in the face of blatant misconduct is appalling,” said former firefighter Robert MacLean Jr., reading from a resignation letter. “The welfare and integrity of the department have been sacrificed under Chief Brown’s leadership.”

The department has also faced public scrutiny following a May 24 incident in which a fire engine sideswiped a stationary school bus carrying over 30 students. The video of the crash went viral on social media, amassing over 1.1 million views and further damaging the department’s reputation.

Chief Brown has defended his leadership, attributing much of the criticism to resistance against necessary changes. “Modernizing the department is not easy,” he said. “Some people don’t like change, but these changes are essential to ensure accountability and professionalism.”

Looking Ahead

The Dean Mayer incident has amplified calls for reform within the Vermilion Fire Department. Critics argue that issues of leadership and preparedness must be addressed to rebuild trust with the community.

For the Mayer family, the ordeal was a deeply distressing experience that underscored their concerns about the fire department’s response. In a letter to city officials, Mrs. Mayer expressed frustration with the perceived lack of urgency and coordination during the rescue, calling for improvements in leadership and preparedness to prevent similar delays in the future. “This was a terrifying situation,” she wrote, “and I believe it could have been handled more effectively to ensure my husband’s safety.”

As Vermilion grapples with these challenges, the question remains: Can the fire department overcome its struggles and regain the community’s confidence? Only time will tell.