According to the story, the argument erupted after Hefel allegedly approached Lippert and confronted the janitor about his disapproval of Jo Daviess County spending $20,417 from the Sheriff's Vehicle Fund to purchase a 2009 Dodge Charger to replace Hefel's now-discontinued 2002 Chevrolet Blazer.
There were no formal reprimands in Lippert's personnel file and Lippert claims Hefel simply fired him on the spot, the story noted.
Lippert said: "There's no need to have a Dodge Charger, fully-loaded with a hemi. I think you're a bad sheriff. I think you're a terrible sheriff. [You may fire me,] but you'll always be a bad sheriff."
Hefel said: "It's none of your concern, I can have whatever I want. I think you're a bad janitor ... That's it, get out, you're fired. I do have the authority to hire and fire at will."
Hefel, who said he has his "own reason," aside from the argument over his vehicle, for firing Lippert, declined to explain the reasoning for his action, the story added.
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