LAURELVILLE, Ohio (WSYX) — The fire chief for a village in Hocking County is charged with impersonating a police officer after allegedly conducting traffic stops during a community event last fall.
Prosecutors claim Laurelville Fire Chief Roger Valentine took it upon himself to stop two drivers for speeding on a closed road at the Fire Department Car Show and Fun Weekend on September 27, using his marked vehicle. Valentine pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge during his arraignment on April 23.
“This is a personal vendetta against me between myself and former firefighters,” Chief Valentine told ABC 6 on Wednesday.
ABC 6 obtained a Hocking County Sheriff’s report that indicates former Laurelville firefighter Justin Tilley contacted deputies regarding Valentine’s actions.
Ohio law permits authorized emergency vehicles to make traffic stops under certain conditions, but several deputies were reportedly patrolling the area at the time of the incidents.
Valentine declined to speak on camera but confirmed he is still employed by the department and reports to work daily.
He is due back in court on June 4 for a second pre-trial hearing and could face up to three years in prison if convicted.
