HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-22-2006 Fire Department Disciplinary Actions 2 UT g�
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Citv of South Bend
News Release
Wednesday,March 22, 2006
Contact: Tom Bodnar, City Attorney, 574-235-9241
Chief Luther Taylor, 574-235-9255
Fire Department Disciplinary Action
At today's Board of Safety meeting, the South Bend Fire Department
recommended disciplinary action in the case of Engineer Gale Evans who was charged,
on December 6, 2004 with a felony in St. Joseph County Superior Court for possession of
a controlled substance, legal drug,without a valid prescription on two occasions.
As a result of the felony charge and according to the standard policy and
procedures of the South Bend Fire Department, Evans was placed on Administrative
Leave without pay, by the Board of Safety, on December 15, 2004. In accordance with
Department policy however, formal disciplinary charges were not filed. Disciplinary
action is only taken after the criminal case is completed and closed.
On February 27, 2006, after successfully completing a court ordered drug
treatment program, Engineer Evans received an Order for Dismissal on both counts. On
February 28, 2006 he returned to the Fire Department, passed his required physical and
orientation, and returned to duty.
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After review and consideration of this case, and while recognizing Evans
diligence in successfully completing the drug treatment program, the Department also
recognizes that Evans actions constitute "Conduct Unbecoming a Firefighter". As a
result, Chief Taylor recommended and the Board of Safety approved the following
action. Engineer Evans will be suspended without pay for sixty (60) days. However, the
suspension will be delayed for one year and during that time Evans will be required to
undergo two random controlled substance tests in addition to the standard tests required
by the Department. Upon completion of the year, and if Evans has successfully passed
all tests and has not received any additional discipline, for any reason,the sixty day
suspension will be waived. If Evans fails to meet these requirements, the 60 day
suspension will begin immediately.
"The City of South Bend and the South Bend Fire Department are committed to
upholding the highest standards of conduct of all of our employees and regard any breach
of conduct as very serious, stated Chief Taylor." "We also recognize that people do
make mistakes and we will continue to offer employee assistance programs to all
members of the department,"he continued. "We are also developing new programs to
educate and encourage both our supervisors and our officers to be proactive in seeking
help for those in need of assistance as well as recognizing their responsibility to set the
standard for professional behavior."