PORT LUDLOW— Port Ludlow Fire & Rescue has temporarily dissolved a joint training agreement with the Quilcene Fire Department until controversies surrounding the Quilcene department are resolved.

“We are taking this action in order to maintain the safety of our trainees and make sure they are under the proper supervision during their training period,” said Port Ludlow Fire Chief Ed Wilkerson.

“This is a temporary situation which will take place until Quilcene can resolve the challenges facing that department.”

Wilkerson said the action was being taken not only for the safety of the trainees, but to protect the Port Ludlow department from any overall liabilities.

Wilkerson and then-Quilcene Fire Chief Robert Low developed the training program together about a year ago.

The operation could not continue after Low resigned, Wilkerson said.

Low resigned as chief of the Quilcene Fire Department — Jefferson County Fire District No. 2 — on June 23, stating differences with two of the three fire commissioners as the reason, and was named as assistant chief of support services for East Jefferson Fire-Rescue in Port Townsend last week.

The Quilcene department has begun the search for a new chief.

If a new chief were in place, then the trainee agreement could be restarted, Wilkerson said.

Quilcene fire board Chairwoman Debbie Randall, who attended Tuesday night’s Port Ludlow meeting where the action was taken, said she respected the decision.

“Safety is the most important thing to consider when making decisions for a department’s personnel,” Randall said.

“I understand why they did this.”

The program allows firefighters to receive intense on-the-job training that precedes their enrollment in the fire academy and a career as a professional firefighter, Wilkerson said.

About 15 people are currently involved in the program, which will continue in Port Ludlow with fewer personnel.

Wilkerson said Wednesday that he had not officially notified the Quilcene Fire Department of the suspension.

But Quilcene already has learned about the action through Randall, and it will be addressed at a special meeting today.

The meeting takes place at 3:30 p.m. at the Bob Wilson Fire Station, 70 Herbert St., Quilcene, and also includes an executive session to discuss recall efforts against Commissioners Mike Whittaker and Dave Ward.

There is no set date for suspending the training agreement, but that will be discussed at the special meeting, according to Randall.

It does mean that two EMTs who were on overnight duty at the fire station will no longer be in place, she said.

The suspension of the training agreement does not affect an agreement between the two departments where Port Ludlow provides emergency assistance when needed, she said.

The Quilcene Fire Department has been troubled by allegations of improper conduct by Whittaker and Ward over the board creating an $800-a-month job for Ward in January 2010.

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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.