Sunrise Beach fire chief cites harassment, bullying as reason for resignation

UPDATE: Sunrise Beach fire chief Dennis Reilly officially announced his resignation to a packed crowd at Monday night’s fire protection board meeting.

“I feel that in light of certain situations and circumstances, it is best to resign and move on,” he told residents.

Reilly attributed his resignation to “some of the things that have been going on in the community,” including months of false allegations and harassment that he said has made him and his family uncomfortable.

“I think that I’ve become somewhat of a polarizing figure and the longer I stay, the longer that goes on,” he said. “If I remove myself from that situation, I think it gives the organization and the community a chance to hit the reset button.”

In an interview, Reilly didn’t specify what the allegations were or who was making them, but many residents who spoke during the public comment session pointed the finger at controversial board member Robert Heman.

“He causes trouble everywhere he goes,” said resident Charles Hartley. “It was a sad day for Sunrise Beach when Bob Hemen got re-elected to the board of the fire department.”

Hemen had previously held a spot on the board, but was unseated by current chair Brian Layman. He sought re-election in April and regained the seat.

He currently serves with Layman and Denise Dill, although tensions between the three have risen to a fever pitch in recent weeks. Last month, Dill and Layman voted to censure Hemen, and a recall vote is seriously being considered among some residents.

Dill was appointed to her position as a board member in June 2016, and Hemen claims that since she didn’t seek re-election in April, she has no authority to legally act as a board member.

This issue is currently his chief complaint, yet many residents claim he has questioned several issues in the past related to management and finances, and done so in an intimidating manner. Hemen denies being the catalyst behind the chief’s resignation, and said he’s faced his own share of harassing comments.

“It’s the fact that I have been this horrible this person that has been attacking the chief and attacking the employees,” he said. “I don’t think there’s one employee who can say I’ve taken them to task on anything.”

Reilly said his resignation is final, and his last day will be on or about Oct. 10. He said he appreciated all the support he has received from the community.

I’m not very happy about leaving but the support I have been shown allows me to walk out the door with my head held high,” he said.

The board will likely form a search committee next month to search for the new chief.

ORIGINAL STORY: Sunrise Beach fire chief Dennis Reilly stepped down from his position Friday in order to “explore other possibilities.”

According to a release sent by the Sunrise Beach Fire Protection District, Reilly’s last day will be Oct. 10, and he has worked for the district since 2012.

“It has been an honor to lead this organization, and I hope the current staff continues down the road to excellence” Reilly said in a press release.

The release also said Reilly and his family will relocate to another state in order to “explore other possibilities.”

ABC 17 News reached out to Reilly and is waiting for comment.