An unsigned, undated memo urging the Hannibal, Missouri City Council to dismiss Fire Chief Tim Carter was distributed to the six councilmen, Mayor Roy Hark and City Attorney James F. Lemon prior to the council meeting at which Carter’s fate would be discussed. Carter’s appointment as chief expired in September. However, an impeachment that was filed against Carter last February for a variety of unproven charges that was ultimately dropped may affect his reappointment.
The local union took a no-confidence vote on Carter in March, and although the results were not made public, two sources confirmed that the vote was overwhelmingly against the chief. At his impeachment, Carter was accused of acting unprofessionally and being derelict in his duties for alleged fraud, dishonesty, insubordination and oppression of those under him.
Charges also addressed Carter’s unwillingness to follow Fire Board directives and his response to asbestos removal at Fire Station 3 and a former television studio that was being converted to a Fire Department administrative office. Not only is non-removal or inappropriate removal of asbestos unethical, it is also illegal.
Asbestos is a toxic mineral linked to lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the chest and abdomen, that was used in construction until its banning in the 1980’s. Demolition or renovation of any building cannot be completed until the asbestos has been removed. If not removed, both construction workers and others near the site are at risk of contracting fatal diseases that require aggressive medical attention. Mesothelioma treatment involves surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but is still rarely enough to safe a patient’s life.
In 2009, the Fire Board put Carter on paid administrative leave without public explanation. He has since said that he is willing to return to work at a lower rank than chief.