Feb. 16--An administrative law judge has upheld discipline issued for a third Macon-Bibb County firefighter involved in a September firehouse hazing prank that involved a masked gunman threatening firefighters.
Jessie White said the judge ruled that his suspension for 10 working days should stand. He received a copy of the ruling by mail Wednesday.
"I disagree with the ruling," White said Thursday. "I still feel like my punishment was too harsh."
Having his case heard by Judge Robert Herndon was the last appeal afforded to White, he said. "It's as far as I'm allowed to go," White said.
He's still working at the department.
Herndon issued rulings last month upholding the firing of Christopher Hughes, a firefighter who admitted furnishing a non-functional BB gun for the prank and setting off a firecracker to simulate gunfire.
The judge also upheld Fire Chief Marvin Riggins' decision to demote Sgt. Joshua Brewer to the rank of private and to suspend him for 10 work days without pay.
Brewer has admitted he recorded the prank using his cell phone and later posted a video to YouTube. The video was intended to be visible only to certain users, but was accidentally posted publicly.
Fire Capt. Stephanie Burke also has appealed her demotion to the rank of lieutenant and 20 days suspension. Herndon's decision in her case has not been released.
In total, eight firefighters were disciplined following the prank that targeted rookie firefighters at the department's Peake Road station Sept. 18.
Read Friday's Telegraph for more on this story.
Copyright 2012 - The Macon Telegraph, Ga.
