Slap on the butt results in chief’s firing

Michael Arnold has been fired as fire chief in Eunice, Louisiana. He is accused of slapping the butt of a female firefighter while the two were handling a fire prevention program at an elementary school. The decision of the Eunice City Council came following Mayor Rusty Moody’s report about the October 9 incident.

William Johnson, The Advertiser:

Arnold also faces a criminal hearing Feb. 23 in Eunice City Court on the charge of simple battery filed by the 33-year-old volunteer firefighter. Arnold pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.

She alleged in her complaint that the slap took place during a changeover between classes and “was unwanted and made her feel uncomfortable.”

The arrest warrant, said other firefighters present supported her version of the incident.