CLINTON - Mayor Ed Wollet said he is sorry for encouraging Shawn Milton to take the oath of office as fire chief in a private ceremony rather than waiting until the Sept. 2 city council meeting.

On Aug. 18, the council voted 3 to 2 to appoint Milton as chief, accepting the recommendation of Public Health and Safety Commissioner Jerry Milton, who is Shawn's father. One week later, the council held a special workshop session to listen to complaints from firefighters and local residents regarding the appointment.

Jerry Milton, Commissioner Tom Edmunds and Wollet voted in favor of the nomination. Commissioners Bryan Hickman and John Wise voted against the nomination.

On Tuesday morning, Wollet suggested Milton take the oath of office at noon, so he could officially begin his duties. Normally, city officials are sworn in during council meetings.

Jerry Milton and Wollet attended the swearing-in ceremony, performed by City Clerk Rosie Wickenhauser. Three city staff members were also present. Firefighters were not told until media reports surfaced.

On Wednesday night, three firefighters resigned, bringing the total to five since the appointment was announced. A crowd of about 30 people also gathered outside the Fire Department, supporting the firefighters.

"The support we have received from the community has been awesome," said Ken Holt, one of the five. "There is a lot of community support for this fire department. It could use some more before it's all over."

"In hindsight, perhaps we should have waited," Wollet said Thursday. "But we had him get on with the duties he said he was willing to assume. I'm sorry that it further upset those who were already upset."

Wollet said he takes issue with those who call it a "secret meeting."

"Swearing in is a formality that no one had to be present for except the city clerk and the fire chief," Wollet said. "It doesn't have to be witnessed by me or a commissioner or anybody else, for that matter."

An anonymous call to The (Bloomington) Pantagraph on Tuesday evening revealed the oath-taking ceremony, which was confirmed by Jerry Milton.

"I was surprised at first that the mayor wanted to hold the ceremony early," Jerry Milton said, "but then I realized there were some advantages to it. We all want to move forward from this situation."

The new chief has not said much publicly, except that he intends to move forward and unite the department as quickly as possible.

kbarlow@pantagraph.com