Bill Suthard

Congratulation to our newly promoted members Captain Josh Westbrooks, Shift Supervisor Bill Suthard and Chief Fire Inspector Kevin Miller.

NEW: CLT media failed to report that two of the firefighters charged in the Stanley FD investigation currently work at CLT FD. Eric Withers is a Division Chief with CFD & Michael Hullette is a captain with CFD. Both were charged with multiple felonies working part time in Stanley. A spokesperson for CLT FD said they are aware of the situation and can’t comment at this time. A division chief oversees a shift or a key area, and a captain supervises a company on a shift, usually 4-5 firefighters and their apparatus. Division chief is equal to a major for CMPD. Captain is equal to a sergeant. According to the Stanley PD, “The investigation determined that the former members’ actions had broad and dangerous implications for community protection, directly affecting the department’s potential ability to respond to fires, hazardous materials incidents, and after-hours emergencies. Specific acts uncovered during the audit and investigation included: • Erasing the hydrant mapping system, removing detailed hydrant locations and capacity data, leaving firefighters without vital information for two weeks. • Deleting sensitive public safety files from town computers and other electronic devices. • Blocking access to emergency response software needed by the new administration to manage fire operations. • Restricting access to the Knox Box system, which contains keys allowing firefighters entry into local businesses and industrial sites after hours. • Withholding hazardous materials documentation, which identifies what chemicals are stored or used at specific businesses, information essential to safe fire and rescue operations. These deliberate acts compromised the department’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies, placed firefighters in unnecessary danger, and jeopardized the safety of Stanley’s residents. Following a comprehensive investigation, a Grand Jury has indicted former Chief Eric Withers, former Deputy Chief Michael Hullett, and former Captain Ashley Price on multiple felony charges, including Michael Hullett: • Financial Transaction Card Fraud • Damaging computers, computer programs, computer systems, computer networks, and resources • Denial of government computer services to an authorized user Larceny by Employee Eric Withers:      • Denial of government computer services to an authorized user • Damaging computers, computer programs, computer systems, computer networks, and resources • Obstruction of Justice   Ashley Price: • Denial of government computer services to an authorized user • Damaging computers, computer programs, computer systems, computer networks, and resources • Accessing government computers • Felony Breaking and Entering • Larceny after Breaking and Entering”