Dear Green & Lafayette County Residents:
This letter is being submitted by the Green County EMS Board of Directors, in response to a story published by The Monroe Times on May 16, 2025. It is disappointing that a story of this nature was published without an opportunity for us to provide clarification, prior to publication.
It is true that Green County EMS, like many other organizations, is continually searching for skilled employees; however, we had no intent to jeopardize public safety for the sake of fulfilling a need, as implied by the published story. As a Private Non-Taxed Based Organization, similarly to other employers, we must ensure our hiring, promotional and other employment practices are free from discrimination. Employment as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic, in our organization, also requires licensing through the State of Wisconsin. Our standard recruitment and hiring practices include completing a criminal background check and verifying required licenses are unencumbered, once a conditional offer of employment is accepted. To clarify, no offer of employment was made to this individual.
Instead, on April 19, 2025, we were approached by an individual, with an unencumbered Paramedic license, who inquired about gaining employment as a Paid On-Call Volunteer Paramedic. This individual, who has not been convicted of a crime, voluntarily informed us of the ongoing court proceedings involving charges against him.
These charges, if convicted, would immediately prohibit us from employing him. He also willingly disclosed the specifics of his bond conditions, which may restrict our ability to place him in certain situations.
The Board of Directors discussed the matter and concluded an offer of employment could not be considered without authorization from the Lafayette County Circuit Court.
The Board of Directors authorized Chief Nufer to draft a formal request, to ascertain if the individual’s conditions of bond could be modified. It was determined this was the best approach to assess this individual’s employability, since he has not been convicted of a crime and maintains an unencumbered paramedic license. It is not uncommon for a court to modify conditions of bond for employment purposes; so, the Board of Directors agreed this was the most lawful way to address the situation. Neither the Board of Directors nor Chief Nufer had the intention of supporting any individual party in this matter. Our goal was to ensure that proper recruitment and hiring practices were maintained.
On April 25, 2025, Chief Nufer delivered the letter to the individual, who subsequently turned it over to his attorney. On April 29, 2025, the individual appeared in court. The Judge denied the bond modifications and any consideration for employment with Green County EMS ceased.
The Board of Directors considered the matter resolved, until The Monroe Times article resulting in a series of uncorroborated posts appearing on social media, targeting members of Green County EMS. These reactions were extremely disheartening. We recognize and acknowledge this matter is extremely sensitive. We ask that the residents of Green and Lafayette County remember Chief Nufer has successfully served the residents for over 19 years. Green County EMS has been saving lives since 1974 and the Board of Directors is committed to ensuring this continues.
