In a decision made after a lengthy closed session, the Stanley City Council voted to remove Stanley Fire Chief Korey Hagenson from his position as Fire Chief and Medical Service Director at the Aug. 5 meeting due to “unacceptable job performance.” Alderperson Laurie Foster abstained from the vote, while Alderpersons Josh Seidl and Jacob Huff both absent. Although Hagenson was terminated as Fire Chief and Medical Service Director, he is still eligible to serve as a firefighter with the Stanley Fire Department.
During the meeting Hagenson sat in the gallery surrounded by his wife and members of the Stanley Fire Department but chose to leave as the Council voted for his termination.
“The city council does not care about the fire department, and it shows,” stated Hagenson, who has served as the Stanley fire chief since 2019. Commenting on his termination he said, “I am deeply disturbed by the choice the city council has made. The Stanley Fire & EMS Department has made leaps and bounds over the past five years with keeping vehicle/apparatus certifications up to date, members being certified to the highest levels possible and constant trainings to help us better hone our skills and abilities. As a Fire & EMS Department we have done this over the years with the city residents’ safety and well-being in mind. This is why I do this job, is for the residents of Stanley. I take great pride in the work and care I give to others and to have the city council fire me on the basis of “poor performance” is absolutely absurd. The city council mandated that I be cut hours and to only maintain 10 hours per week, and THEN to fire me due to ‘poor performance’ is contradictory. They expected me to do more but work less………. their decision is not one I take lightly, nor do I approve of.”
The Council has appointed Ron Patten, Fire Chief and EMS Director for the Boyd/Edson/Delmar Fire District, to serve as the interim Fire Chief and Medical Services Director for Stanley for the next 60 days. Patten was previously appointed to serve as interim fire chief prior to Hagenson being appointed in the past.