Grievance to be filed for fired firefighter

The firing was a ‘tough
decision,’ the fire chief says.

By DAVID SKOLNICK

and ANGIE SCHMITT

VINDICATOR STAFF WRITERS

YOUNGSTOWN — Fired firefighter Andre Johnson’s union will file a grievance as early as today objecting to the city’s decision to terminate his employment.

Johnson was indicted Dec. 6 by a Mahoning County grand jury on marijuana possession and drug trafficking charges with forfeiture specifications. Johnson was shot in the face, stomach and leg while off duty at his North Fruit Street residence Nov. 14.

Police say they found about a pound of suspected marijuana in a duffel bag as well as drug paraphernalia and a loaded handgun at the home.

Johnson, 26, received notification of his termination in a letter this week 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 house.

In the letter to Johnson, city officials stated: “The publicity ensuing from these events brought discredit on you and the Youngstown City Fire Department.”

It was a “tough decision” to fire Johnson before the trial, but the city had the right to do so and believed it was the appropriate move, O’Neill said.

Johnson could be convicted of a felony, O’Neill said, and the city has to take into account the safety of firefighters should Johnson return to work.

When asked if the decision was convicting Johnson before he has a trial, O’Neill said, “Under these circumstances, I think this is the appropriate action.”

David Cook, president of the city’s firefighters union, said a grievance against the city on this decision will be filed as early as today and no later than Monday.

The city shouldn’t have made a decision until after the case was resolved, said Cook, president of the International Association of Firefighters Local 312.

“You need to give someone due process,” Cook said. “They’re convicting him in the court of public opinion.”

A predisciplinary hearing held Dec. 4 concluded that Johnson violated departmental policy and that his “actions amounted to failure of good behavior, conduct unbecoming a representative of the fire department, malfeasance and violation of [his] oath of office,” the city letter reads.

Stefin Gantt, 20, of Garden Street Northwest, Warren, the man who is charged with shooting Johnson, was indicted on aggravated robbery and felonious assault charges with firearm specifications, and having a gun after being charged with a felony.

During the struggle in Johnson’s basement, Gantt’s right ear was likely bitten or cut off, and he suffered a gunshot wound to his left forearm, police said. Police said they believe Gantt was at Johnson’s house to buy drugs.

Johnson began work as a city firefighter in June 2006. He worked at Fire Station No. 12 on McGuffey Road.