Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jun 2006 Source: Peterborough Examiner, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Osprey Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.thepeterboroughexaminer.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2616 Author: Andrea Houston 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek