This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
The Sunset fire chief has resigned in the wake of controversy surrounding the volunteer department.
In a statement released Wednesday, now-former Fire Chief Breen Lowman said he filed a hostile work environment complaint on Oct. 1 against a city council member, though he does not specify who. When reached over the phone, Lowman declined to comment beyond what is in his written statement.
"Because of the improper targeting of me as a result of that complaint and due to the recent unethical and unprofessional actions of the Sunset City Council, I am resigning as the Fire Chief of Sunset Fire and Rescue, effective immediately," his statement reads. He was hired a little more than a year ago.
According to the Standard-Examiner, controversy surrounded Lowman after he suspended, and then reinstated, a firefighter, who allegedly tested positive for an illegal substance, without sharing that "with the entire city council. As a result, the city council… voted to suspend Lowman for one week without pay" after a two-hour closed meeting on Nov. 18.
Councilman Chris Hadley, who oversees the fire department, told the Standard-Examiner that he contacted the Davis County Sheriff's Office when he was made aware last month of the alleged August incident. But "it was determined there was not ample evidence to prosecute" the drug case, the Ogden-based newspaper reported.
During the public comment portion of the Nov. 18 city council meeting, former firefighter Adam Scott complained about a lack of physical testing for new hires, and that drugs were being stored in an ambulance that was outside.
"It's things like this that made me leave the department [after 11 years]," Scott said.
A few minutes later, current firefighter Jacob Sobers defended Lowman and told the council that the department backs him.
Captain David Powers followed Sobers, adding that the department "had some growing pains when Lowman came on," and that they were short-staffed about a year ago.
"So we went through a spot where we hired people first, but everybody on Sunset Fire Department has completed the [physical training]," Powers said.
Lowman defended his actions in his Wednesday statement, "especially those in reference to the recently reported incidents at Sunset Fire and Rescue," which he said complied with city policy and were verified by the city attorney.
Lowman also expressed his gratitude for being able to serve as chief, and recognized the professionalism of many city employees.
"I am proud of the many accomplishments that the Fire Department was able to achieve during my time there," Lowman wrote. "I want to express my sincere gratitude to the many firefighters who have faithfully served the Fire Department and Sunset City. I sincerely thank them for the support they have given me."
Mayor Beverly Macfarlane confirmed that Lowman had tendered his resignation on Wednesday morning, but limited her comment to simply wishing him well.
Twitter: @mikeypanda