published: Friday, September 28, 2012

Jim Judge resigns

TAVARES

Greg Jones | Staff Writer

gregjones@dailycommercial.com

The Board of Directors for Lake Emergency Medical Services on Tuesday unanimously accepted the resignation of Lake Emergency Medical Services director Jim Judge.

Judge will receive a 20-week severance package, which includes a payout of approximately $47,895.

After his resignation, Judge said he will be moving on to let things take their course. When asked about a recent human resources complaint concerning age-and-gender discrimination, he said, "I'm not going to discuss that."

The internal investigation failed to show any evidence supporting the allegations made by Gwen Burgess, a LEMS paramedic.

But the reports states: "The LEMS executive director should be careful to keep his emotions in check at all times in dealing with staff. As head of the organization, losing one's temper even one time is too many, especially if it results in the use of profanity toward staff."

Board member Sean Parks had asked Judge to resign Monday morning, noting that Judge had ignored recommendations from a consultant's report on the alleged incident.

Parks said he believes Judge participated in sending an email that fostered an atmosphere of negativity toward the board. Specifically, it said "See, Sean Parks wants to cut (the agency budget)."

Board Chairman Welton Cadwell said he spoke with Judge last week about resigning, and the talks continued until this week. Cadwell said Judge didn't believe he had the "full support" of the board, and would do what is best for the organization and the himself.

He said Judge came to the decision Monday.

Gerry Smith, the emergency division manager, will take over as interim director.

In other news, the county commission approved a 2012-13 budget of more than $381 million, which is about $35 million less than this year's spending package, while keeping the same millage rate at 5.93 mills.