Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
Two North Carolina firefighters have been terminated and two others disciplined in the wake of an investigation into sexual misconduct. The discipline comes a year after three other employees were fired from the same department, the Salisbury Fire Department, for sexual misconduct.
Fire Engineer Tim Grisham and Fire Control Specialist Chet Hedrick were terminated, Captain Shawn McBride was demoted to Engineer, and Fire Control Specialist II Jeremy Carter was demoted to Fire Control Specialist I. Both McBride and Carter were suspended as well, McBride for five 24 hour shifts and Carter for three.
According to WBTV.com each member received a letter, which the station quotes as follows:
Tim Grisham’s letter states:
Misconduct: Sexual Activity while at work
“Employee advised supervisor that he was involved in inappropriate conduct while at work. Employee also shared inappropriate photo with other staff members.”
Sexual Harassment
“All employees are prohibited from any conduct that is sexually harassing or which may create an offensive work environment.
Employee admitted to supervisor and another employee that he had been involved in an inappropriate relationship.”
Misconduct: Truthfulness
“When asked about the relationship employee was not truthful with the Fire Chief.”
The letter to Grisham goes on to state previous disciplinary action was taken against him in October 2011, and at that time he was told any future disciplinary action could lead to dismissal.
The letter to Chet Hedrick states:
Misconduct: Sexual Activity while at work
“Employee received inappropriate pictures and shared with other staff members. This was the second incident of misconduct. The previous incident occurred in January 2011 at which time you were suspended.”
Sexual Harassment: Reporting Procedures
“Employees are required to report information immediately to the Department Chief.
Employee failed to report information he had related to a potential inappropriate relationship that could have resulted in a sexual harassment claim.”
Misconduct: Truthfulness
“When asked about the photo you received you stated you were not sure about the identity of the person and that was why you did not inform your superiors of the situation. While interviewing another staff member later they confirmed that you shared the photo with them and knew the identity of the person in the photo.”The letter to
Shawn McBride states:
Sexual Harassment: Reporting Procedures
“All employees are prohibited from any conduct that is sexually harassing or which may create an offensive work environment.
Supervisor failed to report potential inappropriate activity that could have resulted in a sexual harassment claim.
As a result, you will be demoted to Engineer with a reduction in pay. You will also be suspended for five 24-hour shifts as of November 29, 2012.”
The letter to Jeremy Carter states:
Misconduct: Sexual Activity
“Employee received inappropriate picture and failed to report the activity of sharing the inappropriate photo at work.”
Sexual Harassment: Reporting Procedures
“All employees are prohibited from any conduct that is sexually harassing or which may create an offensive work environment.
Employee failed to report potential inappropriate activity that could have resulted in a sexual harassment claim.
As a result, your position as Firefighter II will be demoted to a Firefighter I with a reduction in pay. You will also be suspended for three 24-hour shifts as of November 29, 2012.”
UPDATE: The Salisbury Post is also reporting that FF Carter, who was previously said to have been suspended and demoted, has been terminated as well. The Post is also reporting that the investigation remains ongoing.
