Former Hobart fire prevention director wants his job back

HOBART | The Fire Department's former fire prevention director will have to wait a few more days to find out if he gets his job back.

Fire Commission Chairman Mike Pouch said legal counsel hadn't given a determination before Tuesday's meeting in regards to a request by firefighter Lt. Jim Jarasz.

Jarasz, who wasn't at the commission meeting, has asked to be reinstated as Hobart's fire prevention director, a position he held for 17 years.

Jarasz, who remains on leave of absence due to an injury received while on duty, had stepped down as fire prevention director when named assistant fire chief in April 2011.

The fire prevention director position is currently held by firefighter Josh Magner, Pouch said.

Fire Chief Brian Taylor removed Jaracz as assistant fire chief in late November. Taylor said it wasn't a disciplinary action nor a demotion.

Taylor named firefighter Lt. Brian Kerr assistant fire chief late last year. Kerr was sworn in Dec. 12. 

Pouch said there was a delay in the request made by Jaracz because City Attorney Anthony DeBonis has been on vacation and only returned Tuesday.

DeBonis, the commission's former legal counsel,  is conferring with current commission attorney Allan Mindel, Pouch said.

"Once we find out, we will report back to the various parties and it will be announced at the next meeting," Pouch said.

Commission member Lt. Louis Donsbach, who was elected to serve another three-year term, said such issues need to be addressed and compiled in written form.