Two former rural Alberta fire officials file lawsuits over dismissal

A former Stavely fire chief and his former Deputy Fire Chief Greg Olson have each begun lawsuits in the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta arising from their dismissal from the Stavely Fire Department. The filed Statements of Claim say the plaintiffs allege they were subjected to an unfair disciplinary process and that evidence and witnesses were not properly considered before their jobs were terminated. The Town of Stavely, Municipal District of Willow Creek, Director of Emergency Services for Willow Creek Kelly Starling, and Dacia Sundquist, CAO for the Town of Stavely are named as defendants.

The former chief, who wishes not to be named or appear on camera, alleges that Willow Creek’s Emergency Services Director communicated, repeated, endorsed or permitted false allegations suggesting he had engaged in prostitution, sex trafficking, or other criminal conduct, despite knowing, or being in a position to know those allegations were false.

Former Deputy Fire Chief Greg Olson says, what begun as meetings in which he identified some shortfalls in staffing and resources within the fire department took a nasty turn. He says he was told there were complaints made about the leadership within the Stavely Fire Department about conduct both on and off the job. He says he was initially stunned to hear the news, and upset that the administration would not provide proof to back up their allegations.

Olson adds, the ordeal has completely up-ended his life and reputation. He says he joined as a volunteer firefighter to serve the people of his community…something he will never be able to return to doing.

Bridge City News reached out to officials with the MD of Willow Creek and the Town of Stavely for a comment. They either did not respond to our request, or were unable to provide a response, as this matter is an active litigation matter.