For Immediate Release:
September 20, 2024
FIRE FIGHTERS CENSURE STEPHEN JELLIE FOR CONDUCT IN
NEW YORK AND WYOMING DURING INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Delegates Unanimously Condemn Actions that Jeopardized Safety and Well Being of Fire Fighters
A former City Manager, who has worked previously in Ogdensburg (St. Lawrence County) and Fort Drum, New York; and in the community of Jackson Hole (Teton County), Wyoming has received a significant rebuke from the 350,000 member International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) at its biennial convention which was conducted in Boston last month.
The delegates voted to censure Stephen Jellie stemming from his actions in New York during which he repeatedly demonstrated a disregard of the law, fundamental lack of respect for professional fire fighters and callous and careless actions that compromised the safety of the community and the fire fighters serving it.
In Wyoming, Jellie created unsafe work environment for responders by cutting minimum staffing from two to as few as two fire fighters per station, reducing the qualifications needed for members of the fire service, and misrepresenting the resources and fiscal condition of Teton County.
The measure was advanced in the form of a resolution offered by the New York State Professional Fire Fighters President Sam Fresina, and Kevin Ready President of the Federated Fire Fighters of Wyoming.
Fresina said: “Today, every IAFF affiliate learned that Stephen Jellie repeatedly put his political agenda first and compromised the safety of fire fighters and the communities across the county. He creates a chaotic environment, jeopardizes public safety, and abruptly leaves because his actions simply cannot be tolerated. However, he continues to be placed in a position of trust, and it is my hope that by speaking out – others will be aware that from a public safety perspective the pattern of behavior and conduct are simply unacceptable.”
Jason Bouchard, President of Ogdensburg Firefighters Association, said: “During Mr. Jellie’s tenure, which lasted approximately 28 months, he attempted to dismantle, discredit and destroy a City Fire Department that stood for more than 150 years. He repeatedly put politics before the well-being of the people of Ogdensburg and its fire fighters.”
Kenneth Stout, President of IAFF Local 105 representing Fort Drum Professional Fire Fighters said: “While serving as Deputy Fire Chief at Fort Drum, Mr. Jellie is a toxic individual who believes manipulation, deceit and intimidation are leadership qualities. He should never be placed in a position of authority or command and I urged our international membership to censure him for his inappropriate action and conduct that placed fire fighters at risk.”
In August, Jellie was appointed to the City Manager position in Palmer City, Alaska.