Ohio Cop Suspended After Fire Chief, Firefighters Quit

March 03--A Lake Township police sergeant has been suspended for up to five days without pay for his part in an off-duty incident last month that resulted in the resignation of the township's fire chief and two firefighters/paramedics.

Officials said Sgt. Scott Sims became intoxicated at a February wedding reception and was treated by firefighters with intravenous applications of saline from the Millbury Fire Hall.

Police Chief Mark Hummer said Saturday that Sergeant Sims will serve three days of the suspension in the next month.

The remaining two days will be waived if he has no further disciplinary action in one year, the chief said.

Township Fire Chief Todd Walters and firefighters Richard Hallock and his wife, Michelle Hallock, resigned after the incident.

Chief Hummer said Sergeant Sims has worked for the department for 15 years and was honest during the investigation.

"The fact that he did get so intoxicated was what got the whole ball moving on this," Chief Hummer said.

"A lot of good people made some bad decisions that night, starting with Scott, and there was some discredit brought to our township," Chief Hummer said.

The chief added that police "are expected to maintain good behavior on duty and off-duty because we are in the public eye."

Chief Hummer said he's confident Sergeant Sims will continue his police work "with compassion and dignity."

Copyright 2013 - The Blade, Toledo, Ohio