NORWOOD FIRE CHIEF TAKES LEAVE OF ABSENCE
DRUG CHARGES LAID AFTER RAID

The Asphodel-Norwood Township fire chief, Paul Bitten,
has taken a leave of absence after a drug raid last Wednesday at his
Norwood home.

Bitten, 45, of Helen Street, is reeling after being charged in the
bust by the Kawartha Combined Forces Drug Unit.

"I would expect to be on leave of absence until my court date," he said.

Bitten also said he has been "pretty busy" answering questions since
the news broke.

Bitten, his common-law girlfriend, Pamela White, 35, and two youths
were all charged after police said marijuana and cocaine were found at
his home.

Peterborough County OPP Staff Sgt. Gary Collins said the amount of
drugs found was "small," estimated at being worth around $100.

According to Collins, it is procedure to charge every person present
when a house is searched for drugs.

"(I have) no lawyer at this point," Bitten said. "I'm going to wait
and see what happens. I'll decide what action I'll take from there."
Two fully equipped marijuana grow rooms were also discovered in the
house but no plants were growing inside, police said.

Also found in the house were improperly stored shotgun shells and
throwing knives, police said.

Collins said throwing knives, while prohibited, are sometimes bought
in other countries as souvenirs and brought back to Canada without
knowing they are illegal.

Although fire chief is a paid position at the township, Bitten said he
didn't know whether he will be receiving a paycheque during his leave.

He said he and white were no longer together.

"I'm obviously not very pleased."

After accepting Bitten's notice to take a leave of absence, Norwood
Reeve Doug Pearcy said he will be watching the case quite closely.

"I was disappointed," Pearcy said. "Depending on the outcome of the
trial, it could be (a blemish on Norwood)."

While at first refusing to speak, Pearcy called back after hanging up
and said he is not making any judgments until the case comes to court.

"I'm going to try and keep a lid on the situation and monitor it as it
moves forward," Pearcy said. "In Canada we are supposed to be innocent
until proven guilty.

"So I guess I will wait and see the outcome of what police have."

Since the news broke Pearcy said he has been speaking to many people
in the community.

"I think people are just saying 'let's wait and see what this is all
about,'" he said.

Bitten is maintaining that he had no knowledge of any drugs being
inside his house.