On July 11, now retired Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Commissioner Stan Saalman and a health department employee who was president of the health department’s local union chapter, Jennifer Frazier, were involved in an altercation that led to Saalman’s suspension on paid administrative leave.
Saalman reportedly addressed Frazier in response to a complaint letter sent to the health board on behalf of the union. According to Frazier, Saalman screamed at her and shoved her. The Richland County Sherriff’s Department was contacted and a formal report was filed.
Saalman was never charged. The county health board hired a Columbus law firm to investigate the matter.
Selby Dorgan, Manager of Health Promotion and Education, is the agency’s primary contact for public relations. At this time she has no information about the outcome of the investigation. “There has been no additional discussion that we are aware of and we have not been provided with a report. I don’t know if it’s been concluded or not,” said Dorgan.
Tuesday, the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Board of Health met in special session to accept the retirement for Saalman, who served the department for 19 years. The board agreed to pay a $20,535 separation and release agreement to Saalman. According to health department officials Frazier remains employed by the department.
Martin Tremmel will continue to serve as Interim Health Commissioner. Dorgan is not aware of plans regarding a search for a permanent replacement, but assumes that will be on the agenda for the board’s meeting on October 21.
“We are happy that Mr. Tremmel is here and we are moving forward with our day to day business,” she said. She wanted to stress that services will not be impacted in any way.
“We wish Stan well and hope he enjoys his retirement,” said Dorgan.
