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Springfield trustees vote to reinstate paramedic
NEW SPRINGFIELD
Suspended EMS first captain, firefighter and paramedic Ted Mason has been restored to his former status as the result of an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission mediated settlement.
Springfield Township trustees unanimously approved the settlement at their meeting Wednesday, reinstating Mason, who has been suspended since May 2011.
Trustee Robert Orr said they could not comment on the case because they signed a confidentiality agreement. The settlement agreement will be available to the public in several days, officials said.
As first captain, Mason is second in command only to EMS Chief Karen Philibin in the township’s emergency services.
After the meeting, Philibin said Mason’s suspension made no sense. The reason was never made public, but some speculated Mason’s driving record could be the problem. Philibin said, however, that Mason never had a driver’s-license suspension and had only minor traffic infractions. Mahoning County’s court website shows only a 1996 speeding conviction.
Philibin said if traffic offenses were the problem, Mason could have continued to work as a “non-driver,” riding the ambulance only to provide medical help – not an uncommon situation.
As a paramedic, Mason holds the highest rank for ambulance personnel. Philibin said his credentials “are impeccable.” He has served on the EMS team and as a firefighter 20 years. He also is a physician’s assistant.
Philibin lamented that the suspension harmed Mason by causing unfair and unfounded speculation about the reason.
Another township paramedic, Andrea Landis, said Mason’s absence harmed the EMS service.
Also Wednesday, Police Chief Matthew Mohn said fundraising is going well for the anticipated K-9 unit. Trustees approved spending $12,750 of the proceeds to purchase a police dog and send officer Glenn Corey to Shallow Creek Kennels in Sharpsville to train as the dog’s handler. More fundraisers are planned, Mohn said. Donations should be sent to the police department.