This is Interesting

I am sure there is more to this story then what we are being told.

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From The Morning Call
July 11, 2006
2 Bethlehem Twp. firefighters call suspensions unfair
Pair sprayed fire chief as he sat on tavern balcony.
By Pamela Lehman Of The Morning Call
Two Bethlehem Township firefighters suspended for six months for spraying their fire chief with a blast of water while he sat with friends at a tavern say their punishment is too harsh.

The firefighters said even though they apologized for what they called a practical joke, Fire Chief Dave Stapinski's wounded pride over being doused month ago at the Keystone Pub played a role in their disciplinary action.

''Every fire department in the county thinks it's a huge joke that we got suspended for getting our chief wet,'' said Michael August, 22, of Bethlehem Township, one of the suspended firefighters.

August and Cole Breidinger, 19, said their suspensions and that of three other firefighters at Bethlehem Township Volunteer Fire Company mean the department will struggle to find the manpower to answer critical fire calls.

But Stapinski said the suspensions will not jeopardize the safety of residents and the details of the firefighters' suspension are an internal matter that will remain private.

''They made a poor judgment call and now they're paying for it,'' he said. ''They got their punishment and should just admit they did something stupid, learn a lesson and move on.''

Each Monday night, the fire company has a drill night when volunteers practice techniques and help train new members, August said. On June 12, August said, he and the group of firefighters went to the drill, along with Stapinski.

Around 11 p.m., they learned Stapinski planned to go to the pub to sit on the outdoor balcony with a group of friends, August said.

While the chief was there, the firefighters decided to play a prank on him, according to Breidinger, of Bethlehem.

The group, armed with extinguishers that shoot water, arrived at the bar in the fire company's utility truck. They spotted Stapinski, sprayed him and drove back to the station.

Stapinski said not only was he doused, but other patrons on the balcony got wet as well.

''When someone has to get up from eating dinner to run away from a wall of water shooting at them, that's not funny in my book,'' he said.

Later that night, Stapinski told the men to go home and not return until the department's three-member disciplinary board heard about the matter.

August, who has served with the department since 2001, said he was shocked by Stapinski's reaction. He said most firefighters think of themselves as an extended family and just like siblings, they often play practical jokes on each other.

A few days later, each firefighter was called before the disciplinary board. Both August and Breidinger said they apologized to Stapinski and the board.

Stapinski said he sits on one of the slots on the disciplinary board, but asked fire company President Martin Comer Jr. to take his place in the hearing. The other board members are Donald Lasso and Donald Norder. None could be reached for comment.

The next day, the firefighters were told they would be suspended for six months, and August, a lieutenant, said he was also stripped of his title.

The men violated at least three disciplinary codes, including conduct unbecoming of a member, conduct unbecoming of an officer and misuse of equipment, according to Rick Hasonich, Bethlehem Township deputy fire chief and public relations director.

The firefighters appealed their suspensions before a board of directors, but the suspensions were upheld, Hasonich said.

August said the punishment was particularly harsh when compared to another recent suspension of a firefighter, whom August declined to name. Stapinski verified another firefighter was suspended for seven days after he used an air compressor to shoot hypodermic needles into the walls and ceiling at the fire station.

''Now, that's something that would put people's safety at risk,'' August said. ''But he only gets a week off?''

Breidinger, who began volunteering with the department in March, said he's not sure if he'll be able to return since he was a probationary member.

''This is a company that has about 10 active guys showing up to a call and now five are gone,'' he said. ''How are they going to continue to have enough guys showing up at fires?''

Stapinski said since the men were suspended, the department has made each call for service. On average, about 10 firefighters respond to most calls and he said that number hasn't changed. Other volunteers have stepped forward to fill the vacant slots.

''No one will be in harm's way, because we have enough volunteers to make the calls,'' he said.

He said while all volunteer fire companies struggle to find enough volunteers, he's confident the department will continue to recruit new people.

Both August and Breidinger said they plan to return to the department in December.

August, whose parents were both volunteer firefighters for Steel City, said firefighting is in his blood.

''When you do this your whole life, it's something you don't want to stop,'' he said.

pamela.lehman@mcall.com

610-861-3636
Copyright © 2006, The Morning Call