Orrington Residents Get No Answers At Town Council Meeting Over Fire Chief Firing

Orrington residents turned out at the meeting of the town council Monday night, but didn't get the answers they sought about why the town's fire chief was fired.

Mike Spencer was dismissed last week by Town Manager Paul White from the position he'd held for more than 10 years. At the time, he had been on paid administrative leave for a week. There was no explanation for the paid leave, and now, no explanation for his being fired from the position.

Monday night's meeting was opened by the town's attorney, Edmond Bearor, who told those assembled that Spencer's firing was a personnel matter and would not be discussed at the meeting. He said that Spencer has 10 days from the date of his firing to file an appeal. At that point, the issue would be addressed, with the town council acting as a 'grievance board.' But, until that time, council members would not be answering questions or addressing the issue. So far, Spencer has not filed an appeal.

One Orrington resident, Todd Bishop, told reporters that he's talked with other community members who share his fear that this is a "dispute between two gentlemen who don't seem to get along." He went on to say that he's not sure that's a good enough reason to get rid of someone because "you don't have to like everyone you work with."