Terminated West Virginia Firefighter Reinstated – But Concerns Continue
A strange case out of West Virginia seems to be coming somewhat back down to earth. Firefighter AJ Shinn, 34, of the Nitro Fire Department was accused of being 2 minutes late for work on April 14, 2011. He was given a 2 day suspension without pay, and believing that to be rather harsh he filed an appeal.
In a shocking move last May 17, the hearing board terminated Shinn, a 13 year veteran and single father of three. Shinn immediately alleged that he had been subjected to a hostile workplace for over four years. He claimed that firefighters who disliked him lobbied the fire chief and mayor for his termination, and that he was being singled out for strict, particularly harsh discipline. He said while firefighters routinely cover for other firefighters who are running a few minutes late, firefighters on April 14 refused to cover for him when he was stuck in traffic.
The city council became involved in the dispute and ordered an investigation into the matter. The council also ordered Shinn to be placed back on the payroll pending a full civil service hearing.
While the city council investigation is expected to be completed in mid August, the civil service hearing reinstated Shinn subject to the initial two days without pay as a penalty. Following the decision, the local paper quoted Shinn as feeling relieved but terrified at the same time.
“I’m worried to death because they’re putting me back with that same captain, and I’m supposed to rely on these guys for my life to have my back… And clearly, they’ve wanted me fired.”
Shinn returns to work on Monday. More on the story.
My 2 cents from calif.
Seems as though the issue of being a “Two Hatter” has gone way overboard!
The Chief(?)of the Nitro FD seems to be of the “Old School” of running his organization as a “Fiefdom” rather than a Municipal Organization to Serve it’s Citizens.
If FF Shinn called ahead to say he would be “late”, that should be sufficient as it is in my FD.
The suspension for two days should be revoked and Shinn should be made “Whole”.
This issue really casts the Nitro FD in a Bad Light.
The Chief (?) and Command staff need to: Grow up!
ukfdbuff
I thought you were from the UK??? Not CA?
As for Nitro FD, I am sure there is more to the story than what we know. Guys don’t refuse to stand by for a brother firefighter who is running late unless the guy has worn out his welcome – but that is another matter. A FF should not be fired because coworkers don’t like them. I sense that is the heart of the matter.
I agree – firing a guy for being 2 minutes late when he calls ahead is shameful – but again there has got to be more to the story.
Hey Curt have you been paying attention to what is going on in Charleston, WV? Look up Dave Molgaard, Charleston fire department, etc. at dailymail.com You might find some interesting stories. Or check out http://www.wsaz.com and do the same kind of search. See what you think and then if you have any comments let me know.
Danny
I saw the case with the secret recording device last summer. Not sure how that came out.
My search tonight shows alot of collective bargaining squabbles – pensions, overtime, sick leave, kelly days, staffing… sounds like 99% of my clients!!!! LOL.
What is hot down there?