BY NED ABRAMSON
Enquirer Contributor
NORWOOD -- Former Assistant Fire Chief Tim Sennett claims his Aug. 5 termination came because he challenged a directive from the city building department that he was guilty of building code violations.
Mr. Sennett's testimony came Thursday night during the opening round of his appeal before the city civil service commission to get his job back.
His attorney, former Norwood Law Director Robert Kelly, contended that Mr. Sennett is a victim of politics.
"They (city officials) took away his livelihood because he exercised his First Amendment rights and questioned authority," Mr. Kelly said.
Mr. Sennett said some of the code violations were exaggerated. He claimed he did not have the money to paint or side his home, the principal violation pointed out by the city.
Mr. Sennett was fired by Safety Director Paul Bazzano for 25 violations of fire department policies and procedures. A key charge was that Mr. Sennett played games on department computers, then allegedly induced a subordinate into removing evidence.
He also was accused of falling asleep at the fire house while his crews were involved in a clean-up operation at a house fire. Mr. Sennett's arrest at a Mount Carmel night club on a disorderly conduct charge, although a misdemeanor, constituted a violation of the city employee code of conduct, according to Norwood Law Director Timothy Garry Jr.
Mr. Garry said politics has nothing to do with the case. "The question is whether he has the integrity and character to work for and be a leader . . ."
The hearing is expected to run at least three more sessions. The next is Sept. 22.
