A Wisconsin fire marshal has resigned after 22 years of service after admitting that he consulted psychics to advise with office politics.

Tom Weber was accused of working against his boss, fire chief Aaron Harris, and of sending emails to psychics asking whether or not he and his colleagues would succeed in their bid to push Harris out.

Harris, who was elected fire chief in 2003, says that during his restructuring of the fire department a small group of employees had been working against him.

Technicians found emails between Weber and his crystal ball gazers dating back three years. And although Weber denies trying to oust Harris, he does admit using the office email system to consult psychics, saying "everyone is entitled to their spiritual guidance".

He was put on administrative leave nine months ago, but last week decided it was time to go.

"This has been an ongoing battle for about two years," said Weber. "It was pretty much just time to step aside and let people go on with what they need to do."

It is not clear from reports whether or not he could see that the end was coming. ®

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