Excerpts from the NorthwestHerald.com:
Harvard Police Chief Mark Krause confirmed that a request for police presence at Harvard Fire Protection District board meetings was denied. The request came after a trustee raised concerns about an attendee potentially posing a threat.
In November, Harvard Fire Chief Steve Harter and Deputy Chief Don Davidson were suspended for 36 hours following a June letter they sent to board President Thomas Condon. The letter criticized Trustee Joe Clarke's conduct as unprofessional and hostile.
During the December board meeting, former firefighter Don Carlson expressed deep disappointment in the board, especially towards Clarke, whom he accused of bullying that is damaging the reputation and trust in the fire protection district’s leadership.
Several fire chiefs, including Marengo Chief Bob Bradbury and Woodstock Chief Michael Hill, spoke up in support of Harter and Davidson, defending their character and service to the community.
In a memo dated January 2 addressed to McHenry County Board Chairman Jack Franks, Clarke, along with Harvard Police Chief Krause and attorney David McArdle, claimed that Carlson had distorted facts, forced his son to resign from the district, and accessed personnel files from his 31 years of service with the village of Arlington Heights.
"Mr. Carlson’s actions have gone far beyond what a reasonable citizen would do when questioning a public official," Clarke wrote in the memo.
In conclusion, Clarke stated that he believes Carlson carries a concealed firearm during meetings and poses a risk of "going postal." He urged the board president, Thomas Condon, to formally request police assistance to ensure order and security at future meetings.
"A uniformed officer would be better equipped to remove Mr. Carlson from the room if he acts out again," Clarke added.
Krause confirmed that he and Condon reviewed the memo but decided that the fire protection district does not want law enforcement present at meetings.
Carlson responded via email to the Northwest Herald, expressing shock and outrage at being labeled a threat. He explained that his presence at meetings was to voice his concerns about a trustee he views as a bully.
The ongoing conflict highlights growing tensions within the Harvard Fire Protection District, raising questions about the balance between free speech, public safety, and leadership accountability.
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