Tannishia Garcia, a program assistant in the Infectious Diseases Department, sent an email Aug. 15 to Ludwig with the subject line "Terrified Employee." Garcia detailed an incident between herself and Ortner during work hours that left Garcia fearing for her safety.

"I am afraid and fearful," Garcia wrote. "When are we going to get relief from this very hostile work environment? I shouldn't have to feel this unsafe at work!"

Health Board President Doug Vroman said he expects the situation at the health department to improve now that Ortner has been fired.

"A lot of the problems we had in that department involved (Ortner)," Vroman said. "She may not have caused all of it, but she was definitely a party to it. Hopefully things can straighten out, and we can move on. I would hope morale will improve. I think we're going to continue doing what we do, and the employees will continue doing a good job."

Hill said the new nursing supervisor position was listed briefly on Indeed, a job-search website, but recently was removed. Ludwig decided the position is no longer needed now that Ortner is gone. Meanwhile, the health department will begin looking for Ortner's replacement.