Rush Township supervisors voted 2-1 on Tuesday to remove Chris Hartz as the township’s emergency management coordinator.

Hartz, who was at the meeting, resigned recently but later said he decided to voluntarily stay in the role until someone new was found.

During Tuesday’s supervisors’ meeting, Chairman Shawn Gilbert read an agenda item to remove Hartz. Supervisor George Gerhard asked for a reason.

Gilbert said Hartz texted him in December saying that he didn’t have the time to fill the role due to work and family issues.

“He was only there for two or three months, so now we are going to look for someone else who will be there all the time,” Gilbert said.

Gerhard said that Hartz messaged him, saying that he wanted to remain emergency management coordinator until someone else was appointed.

Gerhard said he contacted county emergency management officials, who were not aware that Hartz had decided to step down. He said he then contacted the township secretary, who told Gilbert of Hartz’s intentions to temporarily remain in the position.

“You, in turn, texted me about why you didn’t want Chris back,” Gerhard said. “It makes no sense to me.”

Gilbert said he never knew that Hartz wanted the position back.

“He texted you that he didn’t want it. He texted me that he did want it. What’s the difference?” Gerhard asked.

Gilbert said the township didn’t want a person in a role for a few months, only to have them step down because of family or work issues.

“He asked to be removed immediately. I got the text message. And then you’re telling me a couple months later, I’m going to ask somebody to come back now?” Gilbert questioned.

Hartz said he wanted to tell his side, and noted that he was approached by township supervisors to fill the position after the former coordinator retired.

At the time, Hartz said, he was a volunteer fire fighter for the Hometown Fire Company and a department in Tamaqua.

Hartz said that when he was asked about the coordinator role, he did not know that Barry Messerschmidt was going to retire as Hometown’s chief.

“So three months in, Barry retired. At that point, the fire company approached me to take the lieutenant’s spot because of my qualifications,” Hartz said.

Hartz said with the addition of volunteer positions, he “did the right thing” by realizing he didn’t have enough time for all.

“So I resigned,” he said. “I thought I was doing the right thing, since you didn’t appoint anyone new yet, saying ‘Hey, I’ll hang out until you find somebody new.’ ”

He also added that he did not resign because of family issues.

Hometown acting Fire Chief Michael Humes said Hartz is well qualified.

“We all have life issues and whatever comes up,” Humes said. “We had a major diesel fuel spill. It was the first call (Hartz) had and he handled it professionally, talking to county EMA. He is well qualified to do what needs to be done.”

Humes said the fire department supported Hartz’s decision to remain in the township EMA role until a replacement was found.

“I don’t know what the big issue is,” Humes said.

Following the conversations, a vote was taken with Gilbert and Supervisor Robert Leibensperger voted in favor of removing Hartz from the position. Gerhard voted “no.”