Madison, Indiana fire chief resigns amid allegations, interim chief named

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The now-former fire chief of Madison, Indiana is facing a battery charge.

Kenneth Washer was appointed as chief in mid-2022. Friday, Madison Mayor Bob Courtney confirmed Washer was asked to resign.

Courtney said aside from being fire chief, Washer was also part of the city's street department, but has resigned from that role as well.

A probable cause affidavit filed in Jefferson County, Indiana said the allegation against Washer is from a Madison woman. She claims Washer went to her home several times while the street department was working on a project nearby. She said Washer told her he was overseeing the project.

In the document, the woman claimed the first time she met Washer in late July, he called her "baby girl" and told her there was a bug on her and then allegedly hit her thigh. The woman said the situation made her uncomfortable, she told a family member about it and "blew it off."

The document goes on to add that the woman told investigators Washer came back at least two other times and continued calling her "baby girl." In another visit to her home, the woman said Washer smacked her on the butt.

Washer told investigators that he spoke with the woman several times about the street project, but said he never touched her butt or thigh.

WDRB reached out to Washer, who declined an interview.

"The matter with former chief Washer is a personnel matter that has now been turned over to the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office. It's really up to them for the conclusion of that complaint against former chief Washer," Courtney said.

Courtney has recommend Bill DeVries serve as the interim fire chief. DeVries currently serves as the city fire marshal and was a longtime member of the Madison Fire Department, even serving as its former chief. During his tenure as chief, DeVries is credited with advancing fire safety initiatives and the department's training programs.

"Chief (DeVries) has lots of experience in leading the city of Madison's fire department," Courtney said in a phone interview with WDRB Friday. "He's a professional firefighter with almost 20 years of experience. So, we're happy that he is stepping in as our interim chief and will lead the department through the transition."

The city's fire department, Courtney explained, is comprised of six volunteer companies across the city. He said there is a transition plan, and there will be "zero disruption" in fire protection in Madison as DeVries steps into the interim role.

"Trust and confidence in the city and its leadership is extremely important to this administration. We have a very professional, all volunteer fire department and very, very experienced command staff," Courtney said.

The city will begin the search for a permanent fire chief.

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