BKFD Unfinished Business

In October 2023, the Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District Board placed Chief James Bateman on paid administrative leave. On April 11th, 2024, the Board unanimously voted to terminate Bateman, effective immediately. On January 12, 2023, the previous Board amended Bateman's contract, extending it through April 30, 2025. Bateman is currently “terminated”, but still on administrative leave. Taxpayers continue to pay his salary of $154,555.96 plus benefits. Taxpayers are additionally paying the salary and benefits of the interim Fire Chief. We reached out to Board President Ken Johnson for an explanation, but he did not respond.

 The next Bristol Kendall Fire Protection District Board meeting will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2024. The meeting begins at 5pm at Station 1, 103 Beaver Street in Yorkville.