Ruling expected soon on firefighter’s discipline


YOUNGSTOWN — A hearing officer’s recommendation is expected by early next week, on whether discipline is warranted for city firefighter Andre “Dre” Johnson, based on his arrest on an aggravated drug trafficking charge. Fire Chief John J. O’Neill Jr. said today that the city’s position is that discipline is warranted now, but the position of Johnson and the union is that Johnson’s criminal trial be held first. Once the recommendation is in, O’Neill said he will discuss it with the mayor and law director. Johnson, 26, of North Fruit Street was shot at his home Nov. 14 and police seized more than a pound of marijuana. He is free on bond and a preliminary hearing is set for Dec. 27. O’Neill said Johnson’s sick leave runs out next week and then he’s off the payroll.

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