Pubdate: Fri, 28 Jul 2000
Source: Lubbock Avalanche-Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2000 The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
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LET SUSPENSION STAND

FIREFIGHTERS JEOPARDIZE the safety of the public, their co-workers and
themselves when they use illegal drugs, which is why 18-year veteran
Lubbock firefighter Woody Bilbrey should not be reinstated by an
arbitrator who heard an appeal last week of his indefinite suspension,
the Civil Service equivalent of dismissal.

We suspect that the arbitrator will rule that the firefighter who
tested positive for methamphetamine use last year and admitted during
a hearing last week to using the drug, should be reinstated because a
previous incident involving alcohol use was not reported. City policy
allows an employee without previous disciplinary problems who tests
positive for drugs to receive one more chance before being dismissed.

The policy should be changed. Use of drugs - especially illegal drugs
- - should result in indefinite suspension. Offering a second chance
could get someone killed or seriously injured.

It was a mistake for Mr. Bilbrey's supervisor to not document a 1996
incident in which the firefighter reported for duty after having been
drinking alcohol. We understand that the supervisor wanted to give Mr.
Bilbrey a second chance, but in doing so he created a dangerous
situation. Proper reporting might have resulted in Mr. Bilbrey getting
counseling for his problem with alcohol and might have brought his
drug use to light.

The firefighter blew the second chance the supervisor gave him, but he
has gone through a recovery program and claims sobriety. Four random
drug tests this past year have substantiated his claims.

Mr. Bilbrey doesn't deserve another chance. His indefinite suspension
should stand. But if the arbitrator does give him another chance, we
hope he doesn't put the public, his co-workers and himself at risk
again by reporting for duty after having used alcohol or drugs.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens