Tenn. Firefighter Reprimanded for Driving Range
Source The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.
A Collierville Fire Department lieutenant has received a written reprimand for his decision to cut a swath in an overgrown field behind the fire station to practice his golf swing.
Officials said Lt. Andy Rice made a "bad choice" by choosing to use a town-owned mower to cut the area and a town-owned four-wheeler to spread chemicals brought from another firefighter's home.
"There was nothing illegal (with the mini-driving range)," Fire Chief Jerry Crawford said. "It was just a bad choice. The main issue is that he didn't ask for permission because he probably knew what the answer would be. No."
Also, Battalion Chief Todd Frazier received a verbal reprimand after admitting that he stopped by the station and chipped a golf ball.
Collierville leaders are sensitive to such issues since three Parks and Recreation Department employees were fired last year for theft and using town equipment at their homes. A supervisor was also fired for violating town policies and procedures.
Asst. Fire Chief Mike Clark said in a report sent to aldermen Monday that Rice also didn't obtain permission from the owner of the property to create the golf practice area behind the station, on Houston Levee north of Bill Morris Parkway.
Another issue is the public perception of firefighters hitting golf balls when they are on the town's payroll.
"Of course, no one says anything if they are out shooting basketballs or throwing footballs," Crawford said, but added: "What I won't tolerate is anyone making a bad decision that reflects on the Fire Department. He was very remorseful and didn't think there would be anything wrong with what he did. We handled the matter internally and took the appropriate action."
Rice received a written reprimand because he already has a verbal one in his personnel file for wearing Fire Department-issued shorts when he was not working.
"We have a policy about not wearing anything with our logo on it when we are not working," Crawford said.
Copyright 2012 - The Commercial Appeal, Memphis, Tenn.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
