There are so many possible titles for this story it was hard to pick:
- You can run but you cannot hide
- Due process: how much process is due?
- Or even one of several that start with “knock knock…who’s there”
For Johnston, Rhode Island firefighter David Lashus the episode was no laughing matter as the town brought a pre-disciplinary hearing to his home in an effort to suspend him without pay.
Lashus had been off on extended disability leave since 2009 with a back injury. Earlier this week he was arrested on drug charges. In an effort to stop his right to collect 100% of his salary (which Rhode Island law grants to injured firefighters during their recuperation from line of duty injuries), the town knew they needed to give Lashus a hearing.
The problem was Lashus claimed he could not leave his home to attend a hearing due to a home confinement order. Problem solved – we will bring the hearing to you.