re: Wife of St. Tammany parish fire chief killed by bullet, not the fire

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The new allegations come from Thomas Williamson, a firefighter with District 12. Williamson's letter of complaint, dated Oct. 11, said he had concerns that begin with possible ethics violations "and may extend even beyond civil service parameters."

He accused Krentel, among other things, of intimidation. "Chief Krentel has also made it clear that he is 'taking names of who and what has been said about him' in an effort to retaliate when he returns to work," the letter said.

He also claimed that Krentel took air conditioners out of vehicles that had been acquired for a now-defunct ambulance service and destroyed district property by removing identifying stickers from his take-home vehicle.

Among Williamson's other beefs: He said Krentel was allowed to move into the fire department headquarters following the house fire and that amenities were bought for him. And he expressed concern that Krentel’s presence created a safety threat to employees since his wife was killed “and he could possibly be the next target.”

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District 12 firefighter Tom Williamson who earlier said he feared retaliation, has been placed on administrative leave by the district 12 board of commissioners. The move comes about a month after he alleged wrongdoing on the part of district 12 Fire Chief Steven Krentel.

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As a paid professional firefighter for over 30 years these problems at District 12 has been going on since the beginning to the districts beginnings something is in the woodpile International Association of firefighters local 3704 Mandeville Louisiana will stand behind you at all cost

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Louisiana Whistle Blower Law RS 23:967 clearly states there is NOT to be reprisal against an employee who in "Good Faith" reports an infraction. That entire board and administration needs to be relieved. I have been a firefighter since 1992 and over the years FD12 has ALWAYS been in the spotlight for wrongdoings. This comes as no surprise!

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Good thing St. Tammany has deep pockets, they’re gonna need them. This is gonna get ugly for the parish and Mr Fire Chief I’m afraid!

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