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Mayor fires firefighter over ‘apparent ... drug activity’
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Fireman shot on East side
Fireman shot on East side
YOUNGSTOWN — He’s awaiting trial on drug charges, but city officials have already decided the issue of Andre Johnson’s future with the city fire department.
Johnson, 26, received notification of his termination in a letter signed by Mayor Jay Williams and Fire Chief John O’Neill.
The letter cited “apparent participation in or acquiescence to illegal drug activity” at Johnson’s North Fruit Street home as grounds for the dismissal. Johnson was shot Nov. 14, in what police have characterized as a drug deal gone bad.
In the letter to Johnson, city officials stated: “Events taking place at your residence included your being shot several times and the police confiscating over a pound of marijuana, a loaded gun and a significant amount of cash.”
“The publicity ensuing from these events brought discredit on you and the Youngstown City Fire Department.”
Johnson met with city officials Dec. 4 for a pre-disciplinary hearing. The outcome of that meeting and Johnson’s subsequent indictment by a grand jury were offered as grounds for his termination.
Johnson began work as a city firefighter in June, 2006. He worked at Fire Station No. 12 on McGuffey Road.
Comments
"The publicity ensuing from these events brought discredit on you and the Youngstown City Fire Department." I sure would like to know who were the city officials who made this statement. Why? Because it has got to be the biggest understatement of the year coming from Youngstown City officials.
People have been bitching about this black curtain of evil that hangs over Youngstown. What this young man did pales in comparison to what has been happening in Youngstown for the last few decades. Take one look at the failed steel industry in Pittsburgh and see how they have risen from the ashes. Now fast forward to Youngstown. No comparison whatsoever! Youngstown just hasn't learned yet.