© 2024 WOSU Public Media
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Columbus Fire Chief Recommends Suspensions Over Alcohol Party

Columbus Division of Fire
WOSU

A fire chief has recommended that two fire lieutenants and a captain be suspended for participating in an alcohol-fueled party at a closed Columbus fire station.

Dozens of firefighters showed up at the station last summer as a send-off to the station set for demolition and a departing firefighter.

Officials say several items were taken, property was damaged and empty beer cans were found.

City documents show Columbus Fire Chief Kevin O'Connor recommends 48-hour suspensions for a captain and a lieutenant for consuming alcohol and a 72-hour suspension for the other lieutenant for providing alcohol. Eighteen other firefighters received letters of reprimand.

Columbus' public safety director will decide any punishment.

The union says the city can't punish the firefighters because they weren't on duty.

The AP is one of the largest and most trusted sources of independent newsgathering, supplying a steady stream of news to its members, international subscribers and commercial customers.