Madison fire chief resigns amid allegations, interim appointed
MADISON, Ind. (WAVE) - There’s new leadership at the Madison, Indiana Fire Department after the current chief was charged in an ongoing criminal investigation.
According to the Office of Madison mayor Bob Courtney, fire chief Ken Washer has stepped down after 17 years serving the city.
Court filings show Washer is currently charged with battery in an ongoing criminal investigation that started back on July 30. According to the document, Washer was visiting a woman’s home in late July to address a complaint about a construction project that had damaged her family’s driveway.
When the two were speaking at the woman’s home, the woman says Washer called her “baby girl” and slapped her on the thigh. Washer allegedly returned to the home twice and continuously made inappropriate comments to her.
On the third occasion, the woman says Washer manipulated her into letting him into her home. That led to the woman filing a police report.
Prosecutors charged Washer with one count of battery, a misdemeanor. Investigators say Washer has called the allegations unfounded.
Courtney has recommended Bill DeVries, the current fire marshal and former fire department chief, serve as interim chief while they search for Washer’s replacement.
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