On-duty sex photos & videos bring demotions & suspensions at Illinois fire department
Mike Danahey, Chicago Tribune:
Three members of the Elgin (IL) Fire Department are each facing month-long suspensions and demotions after an internal investigation revealed that several years ago each individual had taken sexually suggestive solo photos or made sexually explicit solo videos while at work.
According to documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, Lt. Amanda Bruce, Firefighter Eric McMahon and Firefighter John Sardina also could be fired if they engage in similar actions at work over the next three years, according to
The agreements with the firefighters and their union call for Bruce to be demoted to firefighter/paramedic. As their demotions, McMahon relinquishes his stipend assignment as a mechanic, and Sardina relinquishes his stipend as a driver.
“It’s a fair agreement,” Mayor Dave Kaptain said. “Their behavior was an embarrassment to themselves, to the city and to the fire department.”
Top to bottom, Amanda Bruce, John Sardina & Eric McMahon
Elana Ferrarin, Chicago Daily Herald:
The materials include videos of Bruce in a fire station’s women’s bathroom and photos in various states of undress, the report states. Bruce told city officials she was on duty when she used her cellphone to take the photos and videos, and sent them using her personal email.
Sardina’s photos include some taken in fire station bathrooms; the video depicts him in his fire station bunk. In one photo, Sardina is coming out of a fire station shower with a towel around his waist; Bruce told city officials she took the photo, the report states.
McMahon’s selfies include some taken in the bathroom of Elgin fire stations, the report states.
Fahy said the matter surfaced nearly two years ago when Elgin Fire Battalion Chief Terrence Bruce reported to an assistant chief his then-wife Amanda had engaged in misconduct involving Sardina and McMahon, Fahy said.
