WEIRTON - Members of Weirton's firefighters union are demanding either the resignation or termination of Fire Chief Dave Lashhorn and are prepared to produce video evidence that the chief threatened to kill himself and others, according to the union's attorney.
Wheeling lawyer Teresa Toriseva, who represents Weirton Firefighters Local 948, said Tuesday the union issued a vote of no confidence against Lashhorn and will ask city officials to conduct a full investigation into what Toriseva called a pattern of "erratic and violent behavior" by Lashhorn that shows "he is not fit to serve."
Lashhorn did not return several phone messages seeking comment Tuesday.
Toriseva said the union filed a petition Monday in Hancock County Circuit Court to obtain video footage from the Weirton Area Ambulance and Rescue Squad that allegedly shows Lashhorn threatening murder and suicide. She noted the matter has yet to be heard by a judge, but that the Weirton Area Ambulance and Rescue Squad - which operates independently of the city and its fire department - voluntarily turned over the footage.
She said the video, taken from a camera inside a WAARS ambulance, allegedly shows Lashhorn parking his vehicle near the ambulance, getting out and using his cell phone before approaching the ambulance and initiating a conversation with paramedics inside.
It was during that conversation, according to Toriseva, that Lashhorn allegedly threatened to "splatter his brains somewhere and take about 20 people with him when (he) is ready to go." Toriseva noted there are 20 firefighters in the department.
She said in the video, Lashhorn appeared to be upset about a dispute over whether an individual should be placed in a nursing home. Toriseva said the alleged incident took place last fall, but claimed there have been multiple instances of "threats, violence and property destruction" going back years and taking place "as late as last week."
Toriseva said she plans to distribute copies of the footage to city officials and demand a full investigation.
"In a post 9/11 era, threats of murder and suicide are never a joke, and should always be taken seriously. ... Mr. Lashhorn must either resign as chief, or be fired," she said.
In response to the allegations, Weirton Mayor George Kondik said he had heard that the firefighters' union was "filing a complaint ... but I have no details."
Kondik referred questions regarding protocol for investigating such complaints to interim City Manager Butch Mastrantoni, who could not be reached for comment Tuesday.
Toriseva said while she is confident the city will find the video footage to be sufficient evidence to take action against Lashhorn, the union is prepared to take further legal action if necessary.
"Frankly, the tape is alarming. His behavior is alarming," said Toriseva. "The union is committed to see this through to the end."