Whitehall Township commissioners were alarmed Monday to learn that several veteran firefighters have left the Whitehall Township Fire Department over disputes with how the new chief is running things.
Don Dreisbach, a volunteer who left after serving for 37 years, told commissioners that Chief David Nelson’s treatment of members and training requirements were driving away longtime volunteers like himself. Nelson said many volunteers have felt disrespected by Nelson’s management style.
“Chief Benner is rolling in his grave,” Dreisbach said, referring to the beloved Chief “Bobby” Benner, who died in 2016 after leading the department for three decades. “Dave has made it his point to change or erase everything Chief Benner did or stood for.” Nelson is requiring 80 hours a year of training for members.