After a year and a half on the job, Nueces County fire marshal resigns – Riverside, California
Riverside, California 2022-05-21 07:00:28 –
Nueces County Fire Marshal Jose Olivares Was criticized Last week, he resigned from his position because he did not obtain a fire certificate for a particular state within six months of his hire date.
Judge Barbara Canares of Nueces County said on Friday, more than a week later, after two county ministers asked whether fire marshal could perform the job and whether the county needed an office. Oliverless told Caller-Times that he had submitted his resignation to the Secretary’s Court. Jeez.
The Olivares letter was not readily available and attempts to contact him on Friday failed.
Canales, who hired Oliverless, 51, to lead the new office in November 2020, said Fire Marshal was a key player in the emergency management office she oversees as a county judge. Said there is.
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“We all need to respect police officers who have served this community in honor for almost 20 years. Marshal Olivares served Nueces during times of crisis. He was instrumental in COVID response operations. And we investigated the regulations of the game room, “Cannerless said in a statement. To the caller-Times.
Olivares was not authorized to carry out fire inspections and investigations, but had a police officer’s license, which is one of the requirements of a job description.
In her statement, Canneres accused Oliverless and two commissioners (District 4 Commissioner Brent Chesney and District 1 Commissioner Robert Hernandez) of questioning his efforts to obtain certification. According to her, these questions were politically motivated.
“I’m very disappointed with those who claim to defend law enforcement. I” support blue “and hope my other (committee) do. FireMarshall Olivares remains an active peace officer in Texas, “she said. .. “I pray for his success in his retirement.”
Olivares, an 18-year-old retired Corpus Christi police officer, was hired by Canales, like any other job seeker, despite having no experience in fire inspection or arson investigations.
According to the Fire Marshal’s job description, Olivares was in the process of obtaining or obtaining these certificates within six months of the first day.However, state records Obtained According to Caller-Times last week, he was less than a year and a half old.
more:Nueces County Fire Marshal lacks certification to conduct inspections and investigate fires
In an interview with Caller-Times last week, Canales attributed Olivares’ delay in obtaining certification to the COVID-19 pandemic. Shortly after he was hired, she said the county’s emergency management authorities and Oliverless had shifted their focus to deploying the newly available COVID-19 vaccine.
In February, Olivares told the Commissioner that he was attending a Houston community college. The county paid for his class and he was nearing completion of the required course, Canales said, saying Hernandez and Chesnee did not explain the delay as a result of the pandemic.
Hernandez did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Friday. Chesnee, who was contacted by text message on Friday night, told the Caller Times that he had not yet heard Oliverless’s resignation.
Hernandez told the Caller Times last week that he believed Oliverless should be fired.
The Commissioner Court established an office in October 2019. As a fire marshal, Olivares reported to Canales until last month. Chesnee then questioned whether it was the court’s intention almost three years ago to have the fire marshal reported to the county judge.
Chesney specifically requested the Commissioner’s Court to report on the Fire Marshal at a court meeting on April 27, in an effort stating that it was intended to clarify the line of inheritance. I voted. The bill was passed 3-2, with Canales and District 3 Commissioner John Mares voting against the change.
In a campaign in the Democratic primary, Oliverless failed to run for Nueces County Sheriff in 2016. In 2018, after former Republican sheriff Jim Kerin announced his retirement, Olivares had dozens of candidates vying for seats.
The future of the office is not clear
Last week, Chesnee told the Caller Times that the court should reassess whether a fire department is needed and perhaps consider other options.
At that time, one possibility he proposed was for the county and the city of Corpus Christi to sign an interregional agreement that the city’s fire marshal (an already assigned position) would serve the rural areas of the county. is.
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The court will attend regular meetings on Tuesday to discuss and take action on a variety of topics, including the fire department. The court will discuss and consider the reallocation of funds for the status of Marshal Fire, following the proceedings announced on Friday. The item was put on the agenda by Chesnee.
Canales told Caller-Times last week that Nueces County still needs a fire station. In 2019, the Commissioner Court unanimously resolved to establish an office.
Chase Rogers covers local governments and industries in South Texas.Contact him at chase.rogers@caller.com Or on Twitter @chasedrogers..You can support local journalism Subscription to Caller-Times..
After a year and a half on the job, Nueces County fire marshal resigns Source link After a year and a half on the job, Nueces County fire marshal resigns
