LIBERTY — The mental health strain on emergency responders was highlighted this year when a Liberty firefighter and paramedic died, kicking off a series of events that led to policy changes in the fire department, criminal charges, firings and criticism of the way township officials handled the events.

John Beard, 51, of McDonald, was a firefighter and paramedic for years, joining the Liberty department full time in 2012. He served “his community and hometown with integrity, generosity and bravery. He was my brother, a son, a father and a friend loved by many,” wrote his sister Jennifer Beard following his April 12 death.

Beard overdosed on the night of April 11. He was taken by ambulance to the emergency room and the overdose was reversed with Narcan. But, after he was discharged, he died in his sleep a few hours later.

Beard died from acute fentanyl intoxication, though he did not know he was consuming fentanyl, according to reports.

Following the tragedy, police officers got their hands on Beard’s electronics and began reading messages between Beard and coworkers. Messages investigators classified as evidence of a drug-sharing ring and illegal drug use within the department among multiple people, was mostly misinterpreted jokes between friends, Jennifer Beard contends. She also wasn’t happy with how the police obtained the electronic devices.

Still, the investigation led to a shakeup in the department. Two firefighters were forced to resign, another to retire and another was demoted.

Justin Graham, 40, of Liberty, was charged with misdemeanor assault, accused of urinating in a shared teapot at the department. Josh Cleland, 42, of Vienna, was charged with possession of drugs, tampering with evidence, having weapons under disability and violation of laws governing who can sell, purchase, distribute and process certain drugs. Both pleaded not guilty in the cases.

Cleland sued the drug task force that searched his home — the Mahoning Valley Law Enforcement Task Force. The suit is pending, with a hearing scheduled for Feb. 19.

In response to the ordeal, the township made some policy changes.

“It is vital our residents have confidence in our safety professionals. The board is doing everything they can to reassure the public. The actions of some does not define the entire department,” township officials said in a joint statement.

The township conducted an internal investigation, offered counseling sessions to employees, evaluated the township drug policy, implemented “stronger” background checks and provided additional “Drug-free Workplace Policy training.

“All township employees were reminded that if you see a co-worker struggling with drug addiction, say something; you just might save a life. Substance abuse does not discriminate and can occur even in our most trusted professionals,” the statement reads.

Jennifer Beard, who is a professor of public health at Boston University School of Public Health and teaches about mental health, said the township’s actions fell short both before and after the events that took place.

She said some of the statements are contradictory. Though the township told employees to seek help if they see an employee struggling with drug addiction, the actions the township took to remove and demote firefighters undermines the statement, she said.

“Why would anyone believe that coming forward to admit a drug or mental health problem would end well for them or the colleague they are trying to help? ‘Trusted professionals’ were instead ‘removed’ and shamed. They were never offered counseling (action 2) or asked in good faith to tell their side of the story. Their reputations and careers were destroyed,” Jennifer Beard stated in an email.

The actions did not go far enough to address the mental health issues safety forces have to deal with often, a result of the often traumatic work they do, Jennifer Beard said.

“Reviewing drug policies and training employees about why drugs are bad does nothing to address the mental health stigma and discrimination at the heart of this situation. Safety professionals are put in traumatizing situations every day. They help others face injury, death, and devastation. We need to ask them what they need and really listen to the answer,” she stated.

She believes the punished firefighters should have had a chance to keep their positions and said they had negative drug tests after her brother’s death.

“The Liberty fire chief and the union never attempted to understand the nuances of the situation, defend my brother and his colleagues, or honor their years of selfless service. And, worst of all, they refused to recognize the stress and trauma that come with working in the fire service. Neither empathy nor assistance was offered when most needed. Mental health stigma and discrimination are alive and well in Liberty Township,” Beard stated.

Township officials have defended the investigation and results in the past and said none of the firefighters forced out after the investigation sought drug treatment, though it was an option.

rfox@tribtoday.com