By Heather McDonald

Portage County officials are launching an investigation into the conduct of Emergency Management Director Joe Brandt, a probe that County Executive Patty Dreier hopes to be completed within the next two-and-a-half weeks.

The probe stems from a letter sent to Dreier, County Board Chair Phil Idsvoog and other county representatives last week voicing concern over Brandt’s actions over the past year as it pertains to ambulance services and provider discomfort with Ascension St. Michael’s emergency services medical director Dr. Sarah Brandt, Joe Brandt’s wife.

“We take the concerns expressed in the letter from (city) Police and Fire Commission seriously,” Dreier said Monday.

The county received a letter from the city late morning Wednesday, Nov. 7, and by 5:21 p.m., Dreier had emailed Police and Fire Commission Chair Gary Wescott, who sent the five-page letter on the Commission’s behalf.

“I want you to know that this afternoon, I launched an investigation with a written report due to me no later than 4 p.m. on (Tuesday) Dec. 5,” her email said. “I’ll be in touch.”

Wescott replied that he appreciated the quick response.

“I will share your email with the Police and Fire Commission,” it said. “I’m optimistic that working together, we can all return to a point of mutual respect and professional courtesy. The commission understands it is a two-way street.”

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