43
Mayor fires firefighter over ‘apparent ... drug activity’
Video
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.