By Allen Edmonds
allen@northcassherald.com
Belton Fire Chief Norman Larkey confirmed Friday that he and Fire Marshal Bobby Sperry had been placed on administrative leave last week by City Manager Alexa Barton.
Mayor Jeff Davis said earlier this week that he could not comment on personnel matters.
Larkey, a Belton native, was hired for the position in August 2014, following his retirement from a long career with the Kansas City Fire Department.
He has been on leave since May 9, when he was notified that he needed to leave the Belton High School graduation ceremonies at Silverstein Eye Centers Arena in Independence and return his department-issued vehicle as well as other items.
Sperry, meanwhile, accepted the chief’s position at West Peculiar Fire Protection District in Pe uliar on Tuesday night, replacing Lewis Young, who had resigned.
Larkey said he could not discuss any of the specifics of the situation on the advice of his attorney.
He is a member of the Belton School District Board of Education, and one of two North District representatives on the Cass County Emergency Services Board.