Newly released documents detail allegations about the former Tybee Islands fire chief

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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WTOC) – Recently released documents detail allegations about the former Tybee Islands fire chief.

Matt Harrell served as Acting Fire Chief for an extended period and was promoted to Fire Chief in April. Harrell resigned as fire chief two months later.

Documents from the town of Tybee Island show that there have been numerous complaints against the former boss, including sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment.

The city began receiving complaints against Harrell in April. OMCC documents requested from the town of Tybee Island included several complaints, from female rescuers in particular, that Harrell had crossed the line and was inappropriate towards the female staff. Other allegations highlighted the work environment, saying Harrell would show aggressive behavior and suppress guards instead of correcting them during training.

Harrel was put on paid administrative leave on May 13 while the city investigated and investigated the complaints.

Letters of support from residents and former colleagues were sent to Town Hall following Harrell’s administrative leave. There was also a petition signed by more than 50 people in support of Harrell.

On June 2, documents indicate that Harrell was informed by City Manager Shawn Gillen that a disciplinary hearing would be scheduled for the next day, June 3. The documents show the hearing would include consideration of Harrell’s comments about the bodies or physical characteristics of the female rescuers. and actions taken during training demonstrations that were considered inappropriate.

The OMCC also confirmed that the City of Tybee Island has hired an independent human resources consulting firm to conduct the employee relations investigation regarding workplace concerns raised by an employee of the OMCC. security team on the beach.

A report dated June 15, says the company’s investigation found the claims against Harrell to be serious and worrying. He notes that the information from the interviews was inconsistent, but that there was enough information to raise questions regarding Harrells’ ability to run the program successfully.

Two days later, Harrell delivered his letter of resignation to the city on June 17. In the letter, Harrell spoke of his passion for working and improving Tybee Fire. Harrells’ letter claimed he had been the subject of three rounds of false accusation attacks and denied all charges against him.

A second report from the company on July 19 includes allegations of retaliation against some employees in the department after the complaints were made public against Harrell. The company notes that the allegations were inappropriate, but that there did not appear to be a definitive retaliation scenario.

Again, Harrell resigned on June 17 and separately there has been no criminal investigation or charges. The city declined to comment on the investigation, but said it was actively seeking a new fire chief.

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