Having a male recruit place duct tape over the mouth of a female recruit's mouth is just one of the reasons the Memphis training division chief is out.
Memphis Fire Division Chief Eric Shane Howell violated a number of policies including harassment, according to documents obtained by WREG.
On Dec. 8, he reportedly instructed a male recruit to put duct tape over a female recruit’s mouth, telling another instructor, “this is how we teach them to shut up.”
The station obtained Howell's termination letter that outlines a number of incidents that occurred at the training academy. during his watch.
During an administrative hearing last month, he reportedly told the administration he had to “get on to the class” and laughed when presented a picture of the duct tape incident, calling it a “joke” but admitting he could “see why it can be taken the wrong way,” according to the station.
Howell was also accused of making recruits carry two, five-gallon containers of chemicals weighing 54 pounds apiece for extended distances.
Even after being disciplined, Howell used vulgar, sexual and inappropriate language while talking to the class.
During a previous session, he participated in or failed to stop actions toward certain recruits, according to his termination letter.
Howell asked that they take his 25 years of his past performance into consideration, including honors. He can appeal his firing.
