Thursday, March 11, 1999
Firemen's discipline undecided
Hearing draws 200 people
BY CHRISTINE WOLFF
The Cincinnati Enquirer
UNION TOWNSHIP — Trustees will meet at noon Friday to continue a disciplinary hearing for two firefighters who won't divulge sources of an improper-conduct complaint against a fire captain.
The hearing, which began Tuesday evening, ended after midnight with no decision. About 200 people attended the public portion of the hearing at the Clermont County township's administration building.
Township Administrator Kenneth Geis has recommended that trustees fire Lt. James Watkins and firefighter Spencer Thomas for insubordination and misconduct.
The charges stem from alleged behavior by Fire Capt. Jay Turpin, who is said to have, while in uniform, berated an employee in a local store. Other store employees who say they saw the incident told firefighters, who relayed the information to Lt. Watkins and Mr. Thomas.
Lt. Watkins is president and Mr. Thomas is secretary of Firefighters Local 3412. No previous disciplinary measures are noted in either man's personnel file.
Capt. Turpin, whose personnel file also contained no previous disciplinary measures, would not comment Wednesday.
The two investigated the alleged incident and determined that Capt. Turpin — a township firefighter for more than 20 years — should be disciplined. They took their results to Fire Chief Stan Deimling and Mr. Geis, who ordered them to name the firefighters who talked to the store employees.
Lt. Watkins and Mr. Thomas refused because they were acting as union officials and not performing fire department duties, said Terrell Snyder, the men's attorney.
Mr. Geis said Wednesday the men should be fired because they conducted an unauthorized investigation and refused to answer questions from him or Chief Deimling.
“They needed to notify the chief (before beginning an investigation),” Mr. Geis said. “There's no presupposition that these people would be chosen to investigate it. ... They never reported the incident.”
Tuesday's meeting upset Union Township resident Melissa Devany, who attended and left feeling that the firefighters should not be fired.
“I absolutely 100 percent support the firefighters,” she said. “They (township officials) are trying to shoot the proverbial messenger. They are asking (the firefighters) to do something they just can't do.”
Recycle plan: Old clothes make new life
VD rate for teens soars in Tristate
Q & A about sex and risks
Most local school districts too 'rich' for funds
School officials find funding formula complicated
Charges toughened against driver
Driver pleads not guilty in 3 deaths
Jail officer facing sex charges was a felon
Mother sues city after cruiser hit, killed son during chase
National chain plans antiques mall in Tricounty
The meaning of Mecca
Caregivers send cry for help
Sabin Center expansion foes get hearing
Where to build jail? How about 100 miles away?
Actress proves show must go on
Chaim Soutine painting given to Cincinnati Art Museum
Technology makes cleanup of Fernald 'can't-miss' project
Tylenol overdose ends trial
Young star adapts to 'Tavern'
GOP in search mode for Lucas challenger
Church fights zoning ruling
City pushed to add snow equipment
City wants help fixing rail tracks
Cold Spring planners reject development
Court hears accounts of sex abuse of children
Court urged to alter judicial voting
Firemen's discipline undecided
Kenton Co. officials still face liability in inmate's death
Kidnap suspect charged
Lincoln Heights loses manager
Ludlow police, city battle over check
Neighbors don't want Butler jail
New charges in Covington bank robbery
'Read With Me' drive helps kids
Shirey, FOP want to keep target range
TRISTATE DIGEST
