Oakfield Fire Department issues statement regarding water dispute with Village
John Igoe, president of Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department, issued the following statement, approved tonight by the board, regarding the arrest of Robert Hilchey for alleged "theft of services."
The members of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department would like to state that we disagree with the actions of the Village of Oakfield against Robert “Buck” Hilchey.
The Oakfield Fire Department has always had the ability to use public water prior to the water meter. The fire hall is equipped with a 2” standpipe that is installed prior to village water meter. We have a cap for that line that is drilled out with a ¾” water hose adapter. Over the course of several years this fitting has leaked when used. This has caused damage to our fire hall. We have had to remove the door to the bathroom in the truck garage as a result of this water damage.
The Fire Department accepted and passed a motion on 12/3/2012 to allow Mr. Hilchey to make minor modifications to the plumbing in the fire hall, as well as looking into the possibilities of purchasing and installing a tankless hot water heater.
In no way did Mr. Hilchey profit personally or monetarily from the plumbing changes that were performed.
The Oakfield Fire Department has stated that they would repair the water service back to original, but the village mayor and trustees are requiring the fire department to install plumbing changes that will cost the department a significant sum of money.
The sole purpose of the installation of the garden hose fitting was so the Oakfield Fire Department could service and maintain the village property, which for several years was done with metered water.
The Oakfield Fire Department has been paying water bills for years so that we could have the privilege of maintaining the village trucks. The toilets, kitchen and other services have never been supplied by unmetered water, and our water bill has always been paid.
It was stated in a closed-door meeting with the mayor and village trustees that they are pursuing this action in this way because the village wants to change attitudes, behaviors, and to send a message to the Oakfield Fire Department and Robert Hilchey.
Robert “Buck” Hilchey has been an active member of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department for over 42 years of service. He has been one the most active volunteers in our department's history.
It is the position of the Oakfield Volunteer Fire Department that Mr. Hilchey is not at fault for the charge of theft of services. We stand as a department behind Mr. Hilchey. It is deplorable that the village is willing to ruin a person’s reputation in the community, and possibly his livelihood because that village wants to send a message and change attitudes and behaviors.