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| Roy Woods |
By Natalie Bazinet
Staff Writer
CARIBOU — The city’s longtime fire chief resigned Monday amidst findings that he engaged in unacceptable conduct toward fellow employees. City Manager Steven Buck said he accepted Roy E. Woods’ resignation “in lieu of termination.”
Woods, a 44-year veteran of the city’s fire and ambulance service, cited stress and medical concerns as his reason for leaving employment with the city.
Buck said his decision to accept Woods’ immediate resignation was based on the results of a nearly month-long evaluation of the department head, prompted by a formal complaint filed against the chief by another city employee.
“An independent investigation into the personnel matter was conducted with an expanded scope,” Buck wrote in a statement. “After extensive review and evaluation of the results of the investigation, my own evaluation, and after reviewing these evaluations with Roy Woods, and a subsequent review after his responses, his immediate resignation was accepted.”
As Buck explained, city officials are unable to discuss or release any specific information regarding the initial complaint or the resulting investigations as they pertain to a confidential personnel matter.
The independent investigation, conducted by non-city personnel, began on Dec. 27.
“The results of the investigation only pertain to the city’s dealings on the personnel matter and have nothing to do with any legal process or proceedings,” Buck said on Tuesday afternoon.
In a letter dated Jan. 23, City Manager Steven Buck responded to Woods’ resignation, writing:
“After a full review and consideration of the independent investigation and after meeting with you to hear your response and perform a subsequent review, I have concluded that you have engaged in conduct towards City employees that was unprofessional, unacceptable, and in violation of the City of Caribou’s policies,” the letter reads. The letter also states “It is with extreme regret that I must accept your resignation and that your actions have resulted in this decision.”
Buck also mentioned in the letter that he acknowledges Woods’ 43 years of dedicated service to the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department, including 20 years as chief.
The city manager emphasized that the resignation of the former chief will not lead to any disruption in emergency services.
“The current chain of command will continue pursuant to three veteran Captains with the Department ensuring operational oversight, administrative compliance with all requirements, and Emergency Operations activities will be overseen by Caribou Police Chief Michael Gahagan,” Buck wrote in a statement. “There will be no break in services to any of the numerous communities served by the Caribou Fire and Ambulance Department or the Caribou Emergency Operations Center.
In his letter of resignation, Woods stated “After 44 years of service and the stress of Chief of Fire, Ambulance and EMA Director for the City of Caribou for 21 years has become more than my wife and I can handle. For medical reasons, I must resign.”
“I feel we have the best Fire and Ambulance Service in the State of Maine and the Country,” Woods’ also stated in his letter of resignation, drafted to Buck. “I would put them up against any other department. I also feel we have the best equipment in the State and with the help of you [Buck] and the City Council; I have been able to keep it in great shape.”
