GRANITE FALLS — The fire chief in Granite Falls, a veteran of more than 20 years, has resigned amid questions.
Rick Hjelle, the fire chief of Snohomish County Fire District 17 since 1989, turned in his resignation on Dec. 21, said Bill Gillam, the chairman of the district’s board.
Hjelle was placed on paid leave on Nov. 6 after the commissioners began looking into undisclosed allegations.
A commissioner on Nov. 4 was told something that prompted the action. The board held a special meeting and voted unanimously to place Hjelle on leave, Gillam said.
He refused Monday to say what the investigation was about. “I wish I could be more open about it,” Gillam said.
The investigation was conducted by an outside party at the direction of an attorney for the fire district, he said.
“The matter is closed,” Gillam said. The investigation concluded and no action was taken.
Gillam would not say if the investigation and resignation were related, nor would he say if Hjelle was told of the investigation’s outcome.
Hjelle began his career with Fire District 17 in 1978 as a volunteer, Gillam said. He was hired full time in 1986.
“Fire District 17 has grown considerably during Chief Hjelle’s time,” Gillam said. “The Board of Commissioners wants to thank Rick for all that he has done for both the department and the community during his time with the district, and wish him the best as he moves forward.”
The commissioners on Dec. 31 appointed Deputy Chief Jim Haverfield as the interim chief. Haverfield has worked for the district since 1994.
Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com.
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