NEW ALBANY, Ind. — The top leader of New Chapel Fire and EMS, Matt Owen, announced a reorganization of the leadership structure at the fire department and shared restrictions on how the non-profit's money can be spent.
This all comes as the former president and CEO, Jamey Noel, is under investigation for spending millions of the department's money.
"The situation which has led us to where we are is something that we're going through," Owen said. "This is not who we are as an organization. And the men and women out in the field every day are not responsible for the actions of one person."
As a whole, New Chapel faces criticism over financial responsibility and EMS response times. Floyd County commissioners are considering an end to their contract.
Their paramedic sergeant is now a full-time training officer, so they can prepare more emergency medical technicians.
New Chapel's also expanding into the northern portion of the county and partnering with Monroe Township Fire.
"It'll be operating seven days a week starting March 25," Owen said.
Financially, there's new limits on spending.
"Double signatures on checks, having board approval for expenditures over a certain threshold," Owen explained.
The board also needs to approve vehicle purchases and new credit cards.
In addition to removing Noel from the organization, they've also isolated from the credit cards he opened. While many faces from the Noel era remain, Owen said no current board members are part of investigations into the former leader.
When WHAS11 asked why the board didn't see the warning signs, Owen said: "I think it's important to understand we are the people who have taken the action after seeing what's in front of us."
Despite what's behind them, their mission is to regain the public's trust.
Owen is seeking an independent audit of the department, but needs documents from the Indiana State Police investigation until the process begins.
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