Prepared by Sam Williams with advice of counsel
I joined the Eastland Fire Department (EFD) on 11/02/2004. Prior to the events beginning on 5/23/2025, I have a spotless record with EFD. I have no previous reprimands or disciplinary actions of any kind, and was an active member in good standing, serving as the duly elected Deputy Fire Chief.
Without notice or prior conversation with either the Eastland City Manager (Savannah Fortenberry), or Mayor (Larry Vernon), nor any other person or city representative, concerning the events that were about to unfold, I received a phone call from Savannah at precisely 1:00 PM on 5/23/2025. The call lasted precisely 2 minutes. During the call she informed me that then Fire Chief, Joe Williamson, had been placed on administrative leave, pending a disciplinary hearing, scheduled for the following Tuesday 5/27/2025 at 10:00 AM. She also informed me that (as second in command) I would be acting Fire Chief, pending the outcome of the disciplinary hearing. She asked if I would go to were to come by to pick up any personal belongings, that I would be there. I informed her that I was at work and couldn’t just go sit at the station and wait but I would certainly have no issue meeting Joe at the station, if I knew he was coming. (End of conversation) Joe Williamson the fire station, in case Joe well as some pending fire called me at 1:08 PM on 5/23/2025. We talked for 56 minutes, during which he informed me of the same information that Savannah had imparted, as department business and personal conversation.
