UPDATE: County employee fired for conduct violations

A Clark County Health program manager was fired Tuesday for violating the county’s policy regarding the use of its electronic equipment and work time.

Aaron Henderson, 32, was terminated one day after county officials received an email containing allegations of inappropriate conduct. The email allegations were the basis for an investigation into Henderson, said Francine Reis, county human resources director.

The anonymous email, which was also sent to The Columbian on Monday, alleges Henderson used his county-issued mobile phone and laptop to send photos and text messages to a woman in Washington, D.C.

After receiving the email, the county immediately placed Henderson on paid leave and launched its investigation, Reis said. County officials fired Henderson, an employee since April 2011, Tuesday morning based on information gathered during the investigation, Reis said.

“We do take these complaints very seriously, and we have an obligation to make sure we’re using county resources appropriately,” Reis said. “We looked into the matter and determined it was appropriate to terminate his employment.”

Henderson worked as an environmental health program manager, overseeing the county’s on-site septic system and drinking water programs. His annual salary was $73,074.

Henderson who lives in Vancouver, is married and has three children.