Clearview’s fire chief is facing a number of charges after allegedly driving the wrong way on Highway 407 while impaired and with his three kids in his truck Saturday night.
The OPP say 38-year-old Bob McKean was driving his Ford F150 pickup truck eastbound in the westbound lanes on Highway 407 near Milton at about 10:45 p.m. Saturday, June 29, 2013.
After meeting with Clearview Township CAO Susan McKenzie and the town’s human resources staff, Mayor Ken Ferguson says McKean will stay on the job as chief, but will be assigned to desk duties. He has been chief since May 2010.
Ferguson tells CTV Barrie that Deputy Chief Colin Shewell will take over fire and emergency-related duties.
“The chief will continue to fulfill his responsibilities … for the Township of Clearview,” Ferguson says, adding the town will continue to support McKean and allow the legal process to proceed. “The Township is confident that the interest of the public in the Township’s fire protection services and its operations will not be adversely affected."
McKean reportedly called McKenzie Sunday evening, who then phoned the mayor. The three then met.
The Clearview Fire Department has 100 firefighters with three full-time employees – the chief, the deputy chief and an administrative assistant.
Rob Cooper spoke with the fire chief at noon today. The chief says he does not want to speak today.
Police say a number of motorists called Saturday night to say the truck almost hit multiple vehicles head-on. McKean reportedly drove about eight kilometres in the wrong direction on the highway.
An OPP cruiser spotted the truck and eventually brought it to a stop. Police say there were three young children in the truck at the time.
McKean faces charges of impaired driving and dangerous driving. He faces a court date in Milton July 22, 2013. The Children’s Aid Society has been notified by police.
The mayor says McKean will now work out of the Stayner Emergency Hub and Fire Administration Centre on Highway 26.
