Elkhart hearing examines allegations that firefighter harassed ER nurses; hospital issues no‑trespass notice

The Elkhart Fire Merit Commission convened a disciplinary hearing over firefighter Jason Lance that focused on allegations by multiple Elkhart General Hospital nurses that Lance repeatedly pursued and harassed them, including a November 6, 2024 incident in the hospital’s emergency department. Elkhart General has issued a no‑trespass notice barring Lance from its premises and Fire Chief Rodney Dale submitted a charging letter recommending Lance’s immediate termination.

Why it matters: The allegations raise personnel, public‑safety and liability questions for the city. Nurses testifying to an intimidating workplace could prompt discipline up to termination under city personnel rules and state statute; the city’s HR director said the department’s investigation supports the chief’s recommendation but the case also includes disputed evidence and legal questions about which policy governs off‑duty conduct.

Most of the testimony came from current and former Elkhart General nurses who described repeated, unwanted contacts by Lance — by…