LEBANON — Former Clearcreek Twp. Fire Chief Bernie Becker is accusing the president of the union representing township firefighters of libel and invasion of privacy in a lawsuit filed in Warren County Common Pleas Court.

Becker claims Jason Scott, president of International Association of Firefighters Local 4207, libeled him and invaded his privacy by "falsely alleging" Becker "sexually harassed employees working under his supervision, created a hostile work environment, and abused his position of power" in an "unsigned letter" to the township government on Feb. 29.

The lawsuit, filed by lawyer Jeffrey Silverstein on Oct. 22, seeks damages "exceeding $25,000," as well as court costs, attorney fees and "appropriate equitable relief."

Becker, chief since January 1997, retired in June, as township trustees were about to consider the findings of a judge hired to investigate after an internal investigation begun after trustees received the union's letter.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2261 or lbudd@DaytonDailyNews.com.