HAMILTON TWP. — Fire Chief Goebel Williams' future with this Warren County township remains clouded as township officials continue an internal investigation of the fire department.

        In a meeting last week between Chief Williams and township Human Resources Officer Jeff Braley, the chief's resignation was discussed.

        “I have an attorney. We're going from there,” Chief Williams said Tuesday. “I was kind of shocked.”

        Mr. Braley confirmed the review is continuing, but could not provide many details.

        “I can (say) that the investigation has been ongoing for three months,” he said. “There were several events that took place that led the township officials to start this investigation.”

        He said the inquiry is being handled by the township administration, and no outside agency is involved.

        “Particulars will be released at a later date,” he said. “It will not be prolonged.”

        The chief's personnel file shows he was disciplined in January over the department's relationship with the township's elected officials.

        Particularly, the township trustees and township clerk complained that:

        • It has been sometimes difficult to get information from the department.

        • The department violated an order not to use the new fire station, which opened recently on U.S. 22/ Ohio 3, until trustees gave their approval.

        • The department didn't tell township officials of an accident involving a visitor at a township park, and officials had difficulty getting information about the woman who was hurt.

        The controversy is not expected to interfere with the department's operations or service. The department has five full-time staff, 15 part-timers and five volunteers. They handle 1,500 fire, medical and service calls a year.

        “It's always our goal to provide the best service possible to the residents, and that will continue uninterrupted,” Mr. Braley said.

        Chief Williams has been in the job for just over seven years, and is the township's first full-time chief.

Ohio in hot water over air quality
Issues beginning to surface in contest
Candidates grilled in broadcast
Burbs show little interest in race-relations forums
Cliff Lash made the music for WLWT
Move bruises some feelings
Request to move trial is refused
Fire chief's job target of inquiry
Former 5/3 teller sues bank after robberies
Tristate A.M. Report
Photography class gets the picture
United Way goal: $2.2M
Van owner charged with dragging cop
Whither goeth class? To Puritan 'funeral'
Byrd presses final appeal
Circus coming to Richwood Flea Market
Florence loses former mayor
Judge suspended for delays
Kentucky News Briefs
Man's ability in trial questioned
Medicaid's cost spirals
Schools subject to disclosures