JEMS director terminated

One of Jay Emergency Medical Service’s directors has been fired after he was arrested on multiple felony charges Thursday.

Jay County Commissioners voted unanimously to fire John R. McFarland, 48, Portland, during a special session Monday afternoon. 

His termination is effective immediately.

McFarland was arrested Thursday afternoon and preliminarily charged with two counts of possession of a narcotic drug, unlawful possession of a syringe and theft.

The narcotic charges are a Level 5 and a Level 6 felony, while the syringe and theft charges are both Level 6 felonies. He was also preliminarily charged with a Class B misdemeanor for possession of marijuana and a Class C misdemeanor for possession of drug paraphernalia.

McFarland was released from Jay County Jail on a $15,000 bond. The case remains under investigation, Indiana State Police said in a press release issued Friday afternoon.

As of Monday, charges had not been filed in court. 

Commissioners held an executive session Monday afternoon to discuss McFarland’s alleged conduct. In the special session that followed, commissioners pointed to Jay County’s employee personnel policy.

Commissioners said McFarland violated multiple personnel policies in Group III — first offenses in this category are subject to any appropriate discipline up to termination. 

They specifically pointed to offense number two, which includes “neglect in the performance of assigned duties or in the care, use, or custody of any County property or equipment. Abuse or deliberate destruction in any manner of County property, tools, equipment, or the property of employees.”

McFarland worked for Jay Emergency Medical Service since at least 2012, having served as a paramedic until 2017, when he transitioned to a shift supervisor role, according to information from the Indiana Gateway website.

Indiana State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, LaGrange Police Department and United States Homeland Security Investigations executed a search warrant at McFarland’s home in Portland after a five-month investigation, the state police press release says. Authorities discovered and seized narcotic drugs, marijuana and drug paraphernalia, according to the release.

The investigation originated from a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children cybertip report. Blackford County Sheriff’s Office initially investigated the case before it was transferred to Indiana State Police. The alleged criminal activity was centered in Jay County.

In addition to his role with Jay Emergency Medical Service, McFarland was also a part-time volunteer teacher for Jay School Corporation. He provided EMS certification classes to students at Jay County Junior-Senior High School. He has been served a trespass warning by school officials and is forbidden to enter any school district properties or facilities.

McFarland also served on Portland Park Board. As of Friday, there had been no change to McFarland’s status as a member of the board.

Commissioners agreed Monday to remove McFarland from being an authorized user on Jay Emergency Medical Service’s bank account and add director Kyle Gerlach.

Commissioners president Chad Aker said he plans to meet with Gerlach and Jay Emergency Medical Service director Gary Barnett to discuss potential changes to procedures. 

As of Monday, there were no plans to fill McFarland’s role.

“We’re going to come back to the commissioners with a recommendation on what we need to do moving forward,” Aker said.