Fired fire chief considering run for trustee

"I'm going to be their worst nightmare," said Downie from his kitchen table Wednesday afternoon.

In a unanimous vote, Tuesday, the board decided that Downie should be fired for verbal altercations that the township administration felt created a threatening work environment for some.

Downie, who was in Washington D.C. Tuesday with the "Honor Flights" program heard he'd been fired through a Facebook post.

"They didn't have the decency or the courage to do it to my face. That says a lot about what I dealt with for the many years with this administration," said Downie.

Downie told 9 News that he is considering a legal appeal of his termination in the Butler County Court of Common Pleas.  He also wants to organize a grassroots campaign to remove not only members of the board but also members of the administration.

"If there are viable candidates that I feel I can put my support behind that would be my preference but if that's  not possible then I'll take them out myself," said Downie.

When asked to look back on the last couple of years Downie said that he didn't have any regrets over the way he handled himself or his job, but he wasn't as concise when asked if he had a short fuse or was quick to anger.

"At some point everybody has had arguments and discussion, that's part of the personality of the different people, you get into some situations but again the frustration comes when you have leaders that don't lead," said Downie.

In the end, Downie contends that the reason he was terminated is that he stood up to the board and the administration.

"When I stand up for the department and the employees.  I want to see them go home safely at the end of their shift and when I stand up for their pay or equipment I'm seen as someone who just wants new toys.  When I talk about pride and ownership in the department I'm seen as a zealot," said Downie.

Downie says he will consult with his wife Tara and his attorney before he will announce if he plans to move forward with an appeal. 

Copyright 2012 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.