Bryan County officials address concerns of ‘toxic workplace’ from former employee

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – The work environment within the Bryan County Fire and Emergency Services is being called into question after several claims on social media made by a former employee.

“Bryan County has had a long history of discriminatory and unfair practices,” Joel Paskauskas III said.

Paskauskas, with the county since January 2022, was recently fired. He calls it an “administrative mishap.”

Pakauskas says he tried to appeal his termination, but it was denied. He plans to petition a writ of mandamus with Bryan County to hold an employment appeal.

Now, he is taking his concerns to social media.

“It’s a very toxic workplace. I think it’s best to kind of… it’s analogous to a totalitarian regime. It’s a ‘Get in line, do what we tell you to do, and be quiet.’ And if you don’t like it, you can leave,” he said.

Fire Chief and EMA Director Freddy Howell recently announced his retirement and EMA Assistant Randall “Mack” McPherson resigned. McPherson cited issues with training and participation from the entire county regarding emergency operations.

When asked about these concerns and four lawsuits being filed by former employees, Commission Chairman Carter Infinger said he cannot comment on pending litigation, investigations, or personnel.

He did make this comment: “We’re not unique. When you get over 500 employees, there’s going to be some issues sometime.”

Infinger added that the department is 7% understaffed, but investments are being made into the program.

“For the most part, we have great employees, we have great staff, and we have great leaders in this community,” he said. “I can tell you one thing: if you look on Facebook, most of it’s not accurate, or there’s partial truth there. If somebody really wants to know, they can work through our departments, our human resources.”

Howell says these comments on social media “have caused unnecessary concern and anxiety within the community.”

He says that, in his departure, he’s leaving the department in “capable and competent care.”

“Rest assured, the department is in good hands with proper plans, certifications, and competent staff to handle any storm or disaster,” Howell stated.