ANN ARBOR, Mich. --
An Ann Arbor firefighter is facing termination after he continued to operate a fire truck engine while failing to report that his driver's license had been suspended, authorities said.
Terry Jones, a 19-year veteran of the department, has been suspended for 30 days without pay while an investigation is under way.
Ann Arbor Fire Department Chief Dominik Lanza said a routine driver's license check conducted by the city for insurance purposes recently revealed Jones' latest suspension. According to state records, his license was suspended for nine days in February until he paid a fine.
Jones is accused of not telling anyone in the fire department and continuing to drive a fire truck engine.
"I just learned of the repeated offense yesterday," Lanza said.
According to state records, Jones has had his license suspended seven times in the past two years.
"It creates a liability for the city; It's the same as if you drive a personal vehicle without a valid driver's license," Lanza said.
Lanza said the department will soon implement a new tool into its scheduling, which will red flag a firefighter whose license is revoked or due to expire.
"People in Ann Arbor need to feel secure that people driving the fire apparatus vehicle are qualified and driving them legally," Lanza said.
Jones and his union representative are scheduled to meet with Lanza on the matter in the coming days.
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