Fire department suspensions in Columbus handed down over alcohol party

COLUMBUS (AP) — Two fire lieutenants and a captain have been suspended without pay for participating in an alcohol-fueled party at a closed Columbus fire station.

The discipline follows reports that dozens of firefighters showed up at the station last summer as a send-off to the station set for demolition and a departing firefighter.

Officials say several items were taken, property was damaged and empty beer cans were found.

The Columbus Dispatch reports today that a captain and a lieutenant were suspended for 48 hours for consuming alcohol, and another lieutenant was suspended for 72 hours for providing alcohol.

Eighteen other firefighters received letters of reprimand.

Columbus’ public safety director decided the punishment.

The union contends the city can’t punish the firefighters because they weren’t on duty.