During its Jan. 28 meeting, the Idyllwild Fire Commission unanimously authorized Fire Chief Patrick Reitz to hire an outside investigator to look into a personnel matter.
When asked if the investigator would look into a departmental policy or specific issue, or how many individuals are involved, Reitz had no response.
In making the request to the commissioners, Reitz said, “The proposed contractor would cost about $71 per hour and was recommended by our insurance company [Special District Risk Management Authority]. I don’t know where it will lead us.”
Several commissioners were concerned about the ultimate cost. Reitz replied that at this point, he had no estimate of the cost. Commissioner Jeannine Charles-Stigall said, “There’s no need for a cap on the number of hours or cost. The chief has used good judgment in the past.”
