Illinois Firefighter with Down syndrome rejoins department after bullying complaint
It took social media campaign & publicity for Sandoval Fire Department to work things out with Jason Eagan
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Previously: Firefighter with Down syndrome quits Illinois department over bullying
According to the family of Jason Eagan, he has agreed to rejoin Sandoval Fire Department in Illinois after quitting a few months ago over claims Eagan was bullied. The family told Kavahn Mansouri with the Belleville News-Democrat, the department has or is dealing with at least two firefighters they believe bullied Eagan. Eagan has Down syndrome, but was made a member of the department in 2016. As of Monday, Sandoval Fire Department still hasn’t talked with reporter Mansouri or publicly commented on the situation.
A social media campaign, along with news coverage, got the department’s attention about this issue. The strong reaction from inside and outside the fire service apparently forced Sandoval to take down its Facebook page.
Kavahn Mansouri, Belleville News-Democrat:
Eagan’s aunt, Mary Kay Eagan-Robbins, returned to Facebook Saturday saying she and Eagan met with several members of the department and a Sandoval trustee, apologies were made, and his job was offered back, which he accepted.
Eagan’s sister Kristine Sian, however, said Eagan won’t report back to the department until the the family is satisfied that the bullying is overwith for good. She said Monday that one of the four firefighters involved had officially resigned while another expected to in the coming days.
