Missing money claim yields $77,023 check from insurance, Devine VFD looks to begin hiring process

Board President Robert Pequeno explained the command structure will continue with interim positions until the board can initiate a hiring and review process with qualifications.

To ensure uninterrupted service to our community, former assistant chief Jessica Martinez has stepped up into the role of Interim Fire Chief, and Capt. Scott DeLucia is now serving as assistant chief with Lt. Bryan Hill assuming DeLucia’s former duties as captain.

Amidst all of the turmoil, Devine VFD fire crews never skipped a beat, responding in times of crisis such as last week when several fires broke out, complicated by 45+ MPH winds.

In action Monday evening, the Devine Volunteer Fire Department’s volunteer association board voted unanimously to formally remove resigned fire chief Greg Atkinson from the department roll call in the wake of recent criminal allegations and his resignation.
The motion to remove Atkinson’s name was put forward by board member Barry Haywood and seconded by Henry Salas.
“Motion passes,” said board president Robert Pequeno, finalizing the vote. “ Dropped from roll call.”
A misdemeanor count of official oppression by sexual harassment was filed against Atkinson by the Medina County Criminal Attorney in late February 2025. The action came in the wake of the arrest of DVFD office administrator and suspect Heather Schultz in December 2024 on a charge of tampering with evidence related to more than $76,000 in missing funds.
Atkinson officially resigned only one day before the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 board of commissioners voted March 5 to authorize forensic audits of Devine VFD’s finances for the past three fiscal years.
As is standard on any board agenda, Pequeno called for the names of any Devine VFD members to be dropped from the roll call. Interim Fire Chief Jessica Martinez responded with Atkinson’s name.
“As of right now the only one getting dropped from roll call would be Gregory Atkinson,” Martinez said.
As opposed to the contentious March 5 ESD2 board meeting, the Devine VFD board meeting was relatively

In action Monday evening, the Devine Volunteer Fire Department’s volunteer association board voted unanimously to formally remove resigned fire chief Greg Atkinson from the department roll call in the wake of recent criminal allegations and his resignation.
The motion to remove Atkinson’s name was put forward by board member Barry Haywood and seconded by Henry Salas.
“Motion passes,” said board president Robert Pequeno, finalizing the vote. “ Dropped from roll call.”
A misdemeanor count of official oppression by sexual harassment was filed against Atkinson by the Medina County Criminal Attorney in late February 2025. The action came in the wake of the arrest of DVFD office administrator and suspect Heather Schultz in December 2024 on a charge of tampering with evidence related to more than $76,000 in missing funds.
Atkinson officially resigned only one day before the Medina County Emergency Services District No. 2 board of commissioners voted March 5 to authorize forensic audits of Devine VFD’s finances for the past three fiscal years.
As is standard on any board agenda, Pequeno called for the names of any Devine VFD members to be dropped from the roll call. Interim Fire Chief Jessica Martinez responded with Atkinson’s name.
“As of right now the only one getting dropped from roll call would be Gregory Atkinson,” Martinez said.
As opposed to the contentious March 5 ESD2 board meeting, the Devine VFD board meeting was relatively CONTINUE READING at www.devinenewsmembers.com

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