Guard told that prison is no excuse for profanity

Thursday, Oct. 30, 1997 | 11:23 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- Prison's no excuse for cussin'.

That's what a state hearing officer has told a prison guard in upholding a five-day suspension without pay.

Lt. Theryne Waggener received the discipline after investigations concluded that he subjected his subordinates to profanity-laden browbeatings.

State Hearing Officer Pat Dolan, in a decision released Wednesday, ruled that Waggener ignored prior counseling "to treat his subordinates with respect and dignity and to refrain from directing profanity toward his subordinates."

Dolan didn't buy Waggener's excuse that cuss words are used everywhere in the prison. "The employee's assertion that 'terrible language' is rampant is a lame excuse."

The hearing officer found that Waggener berated his workers using "unacceptable language and attitude."

Dolan said Waggener believes that "a significant number of staff members are weak and insecure individuals naturally intimidated by his intellect, physical size and loud voice (and that) speaks volumes why the employee continues to experience difficulties in dealing with subordinates."

He said Waggener needs to treat his junior officers with more respect. During a hearing earlier this year, Waggener said it was not uncommon for employees in the prison to use profanity and he added that he was not angry but was joking with his employees when they were being chewed out.