Firefighters accused of hazing ask for hearings

Karen Zekan

Friday, April 11, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

At least three of 17 Clark County Fire Department employees have requested hearings on their cases after receiving letters reprimanding them for allegedly hazing rookies.

Hearings are the next step in an appeals process that could take several weeks. Upon the conclusion of the hearing, Chief Earl Greene will issue a written response to each accused individual. If they disagree, employees can appeal his decision.

Among the penalties employees face if found guilty are demotion or suspension without pay, authorities said.

"Hazing, degrading or humiliating anyone is not acceptable in our department, and we will not tolerate it," Greene said.

The chief admitted that hazing has occurred, but could not disclose the names of the employees or confirm reports that the incidents involved the spraying of rookies' genitals or putting dog feces in their beds.

All elements of the investigation will become public record upon the conclusion of the appeals process, he said.

The hazing allegedly involved rookies from firefighter academies held in January and last summer. On Feb. 2, a handful of firefighters who had heard about the hazing notified their supervisors. Metro Police were then called in to investigate.

Greene said the 17 accused employees are still actively employed, and that none have been placed on administrative leave.

"The men and women of this department are exemplary. They put their lives on the line every day," Greene said.

"We have more successes than failures. We will deal with this just as professionally as with anything else. I am proud of the men and women of this department, but I am not proud of what has happened."

A total of 550 firefighters and staff are employed by Clark County Fire Department.