One Macon-Bibb County firefighter to be fired over gun prank against rookies. Captain & four others suspended. Sergeant demoted.
One Macon-Bibb firefighter faces termination in connection with a prank video staged at a fire station.
That's according to a news release from the mayor's office on behalf of Fire Chief Marvin Riggins.
Four other firefighters will be suspended and a sergeant will be demoted for taking part in the video, which Riggins calls "notoriously disgraceful."
The release says:
Firefighter Christopher Hughes will be suspended with pay for five (5) days pending termination with a discharge review. He's accused of violating City Guideline 807 employee conduct and discipline, 807 C2, C12 and C13; Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order 21, which prohibits the use of personal items on the premises which may create a hazard to other firefighters and/or guest; and volations of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order 26 which prohibits hazing, initiations, and/or other types of physical confrontations.
The release does not describe Hughes' involvement in the case.
Sgt. Joshua Brewer will be demoted and suspended for 10 shifts. He's accused of violating City Guideline 807 C2 and also Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order 26.
These three firefighters will be suspended for 10 shifts for the same two alleged violations: Christopher Houston, Mark Swain and Jesse White
Lt. Timothy Pruitt will be issued a "counseling statement" concerning management and behavior of his assigned personnel.
Capt. Stephanie Burke will receive a two-shift suspension concerning "management and behavior of her assigned personnel" and station morale.
Battalion Chief James Wallace will be issued a written reprimand.
The department says a 10-shift suspension is equal to 30 days without pay and a two-day suspension is one week without pay.
Below is the text of the news release via WMGT-TV:
After much deliberation of all of the facts and issues surrounding the incident that happened at Macon-Bibb County Fire Station #108 on September 18, 2011, we have concluded that disciplinary action is warranted.
The pending disciplinary actions will be handed down as follows:
Firefighter Christopher Hughes will be suspended with pay for five (5) days pending termination with a discharge review, for violation of City Guideline 807 employee conduct and discipline, 807 C2, C12 and C13. He is also in violation of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order #21 which prohibits the use of personal items on the premises which may create a hazard to other firefighters and/or guest. Violations of Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order #26 which prohibits hazing, initiations, and/or other types of physical confrontations.
Sgt. Joshua Brewer will be demoted and he will be issued a ten (10) day (Shift Equivalent) suspension for a violation of City Guideline 807 C2 and also Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order #26.
Firefighters Christopher Houston, Mark Swain and Jesse White will be issued a ten (10) day (Shift Equivalent) suspension for violation of City Guideline 807 C2 and also Macon-Bibb County Fire Department General Order #26.
Lt. Timothy Pruitt will be issued a counseling statement as it relates to the management and behavior of his assigned personnel.
Captain Stephanie Burke will receive a two (2) day (Shift Equivalent) suspension as it relates to the management and behavior of her assigned personnel and station espree decor. (Note: I believe they mean "esprit de corps". Not sure if this error is the work of the city or the TV station)
Battalion Chief James Wallace will be issued a written reprimand.
The commission of this notoriously disgraceful act towards their fellow employees, this organization and this community I find appalling. And again I wish to reiterate that this is in no means an overall perspective of our firefighters and this organization. We remain committed to our mission, our vision and our purpose as a first class organization."
For clarification, a Ten Day suspension is equal to Thirty (30) days without pay and a Two Day suspension is One week without pay.
Within the City of Macon, there is an appeals process that each employee has a right to avail themselves of, if they so choose.
