Firefighter's challenge to Ottawa Hills deal denied

5/14/2013

A Toledo firefighter's legal challenge to the city's takeover of fire service in Ottawa Hills and hiring the village's 10 full time firefighters has been struck down by a Lucas County Common Pleas Court judge. 

Judge Ruth Ann Franks on May 9 denied the complaint filed by Toledo firefighter Mark McBee, who claimed the city lacked the authority to hire the firefighters with the merger of fire service. Toledo Mayor Mike Bell in October,  2010 announced that Toledo would take over the village's fire service. The deal  was approved by Toledo City Council in early 2011, which is when the Ottawa Hills firefighters were integrated into the ranks of the Toledo Fire Department. 

Mr. McBee claimed in his suit that the Ottawa Hills firefighter did not undergo any of the requirements to determine their "merit, efficiency, moral character, and industry," as required by the city charter. Judge Franks denied his request for summary judgment.