Naramata fire chief getting his job back
Tony Trovao reinstated following suspension and investigation prompted by firefighter’s allegations of harassment and bullying
NARAMATA — Tony Trovao has been reinstated as chief with the Naramata fire department following a decision Friday by the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen’s board of directors.
Trovao was suspended with pay on Oct. 22 after a complaint was launched by an unnamed volunteer firefighter with the Naramata fire department.
Trovao did not return a phone message left at his home by the Penticton Herald as of press deadline Friday.
The nature of the allegations came to light publicly last week after the Herald obtained a copy of a letter sent by the RDOS to members of the fire department, warning them against discussing the case on social media.
The letter stated Trovao was under investigation for complaints related to possible contraventions of the RDOS’s harassment, bullying and discrimination policy, RDOS code of conduct and WorkSafeBC regulations.
RDOS chairperson Karla Kozakevich confirmed at 4 p.m. Friday that Trovao had been reinstated, but would not divulge any more information.
“The board of directors did meet on Thursday, Dec. 20, and as this is an internal personnel matter, it is our policy not to discuss these personnel matters publicly,” Kozakevich said in an email. “The board of directors is working towards a positive outcome with the intent of the chief’s reinstatement in January.”
Two private investigators were hired to probe allegations of harassment and bullying against Trovao, and they spent nearly three hours Thursday discussing the case behind closed doors with RDOS board members and staff.
With the RDOS office being closed until after the Christmas holidays effective Friday afternoon, Kozakevich said she needed approval from RDOS human resources management to confirm Trovao had been reinstated.
Kon Oh, who was named acting chief of the Naramata fire department after Trovao was placed under suspension, said he — and the majority of the 41 members — were thrilled to learn of Trovao’s reinstatement.
“I just found out, so I’ve been texting all the members and it’s turned out to be a happy ending for Tony, and all the members I’ve talked to are really pleased with the outcome,” he said.
Oh said he spoke with Trovao soon after the reinstatement decision was reached. He said Trovao was relieved and thrilled with the decision and is looking forward to returning to his job early in the new year.
Trovao has been the fire chief since 2013 and worked as a volunteer with the department for 16 years before that.
Oh said it’s unfortunate that Trovao had to endure so much scrutiny over the past two months. He’s extremely popular with the membership and has been an effective and strong leader for many years, Oh said.
“You know what, you can ask the members . . . and more than 90 per cent of the 41 members will tell you nothing but good things about Tony,” he said. “He’s been very fair and ran the department really well. He’s very community minded and cares a lot about the community and the members.
“This has all been very unfortunate. We all felt this could have been better handled inhouse.
“Most of us feel this has been handled unfairly, but we’re all happy he has been reinstated today. It’s been a very long haul for him. It’s been tough emotionally, but this is a very happy day for Tony and the Naramata fire department, for sure.”
Because Trovao has overwhelming support from the membership, Oh is confident he will be welcomed back and there won’t be long-lasting negative ramifications from this incident.
“It’s very unfortunate it happened, but we have to put this behind us and move forward,” Oh said.