More Fallout Over Prank In Macon-Bibb County, GA

Posted by: Curt Varone September 30, 2011 2 Comments

An additional disciplinary action has been announced by the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department following the YouTube video shooting prank that occurred on September 18, 2011. Yesterday, Fire Chief Marvin Riggins increased the punishment for Fire Captain Stephanie Burke from a 2 day suspension to a demotion and 20 day suspension.

The reason for the increase was the disclosure of text messages between Capt. Burke and firefighter Chris Hughes that showed she was much more deeply involved in planning the prank than was previously believed. Hughes was the only member terminated. A total of 8 firefighters have been disciplined.

Burke was demoted to Lieutenant, and based on Macon-Bibb’s schedule her 20 day suspension equates to roughly two months off without pay.  Burke, Hughes and the other disciplined personnel still have the right to contest their penalties.

More on the story.

 

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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