To the editor:
Retired Fire Chief Marshall “Mike” Beauchamp is being singled out by Antrim selectmen and the town administrator. Chief Beauchamp was spoken to by current Chief Marshall Gale and Antrim Ambulance Deputy Chief Miller a few weeks ago. They informed the former chief he can no longer drive any apparatus, per the selectmen and town administrator.
Beauchamp had a knee replacement quite a while ago and he was also cleared by his physician to be able to drive, respond to fire/ambulance calls with no stipulations.
Per Gale, Beauchamp on one occasion got the ambulance stuck and backed into a tree, causing damage to the ambulance.
However, it was not Beauchamp’s fault; it was the person spotting him while he was backing up at a home in Stoddard. And this was four years ago!
Per Gale, the former chief also on one occasion got the ambulance stuck in the mud and the ambulance had to be pulled out by a wrecker. Beauchamp stated that this happens at times due to the mud and the areas in which the ambulance responds.
If there were such concerns, why was Beauchamp not spoken to at the time these so-called incidents occurred? Per the Town of Antrim personnel policy, there is a section on disciplinary discipline. However, none of the written policy was adhered to or followed.
Why are they singling out Beauchamp?
Why are other AFD members not “spoken” to when they damage apparatus or even the Fire Dept. building?
Taking away Beauchamp’s ability to drive (he does hold a valid N.H. driver’s license) is not just jeopardizing patient care and response time; the selectpersons are taking away his livelihood at most.
Patricia Lovering
Antrim
Editor’s note: When contacted for verification purposes, Antrim Town Administrator Donna Hanson said she could not comment on personnel matters.