wgem

Herald-Whig Staff Writer

The Quincy Fire and Police Commission hopes to act within 30 days on the case involving three suspended firefighters.

The firefighters have been paid a total of more than $20,000 since they were placed on administrative leave in mid-October while city officials investigated alleged violations of policies and misuse of equipment.

The three-person commission has the authority to suspend, demote or terminate firefighters, but it has taken no action despite meeting several times since the city provided commissioners with information about the three firefighters.

"We want this to be over as quickly as we can. We would get it over today if we could, but it's not possible," Commissioner Charlie Doan told WGEM News. "There's a lot of things we have to understand."

Before Wednesday's regularly scheduled meeting, Doan told WGEM that information about the case had just been received. When asked Tuesday by The Herald-Whig how long the investigation could take, Doan declined to comment.

Commission Chairman David Ayers has not responded to repeated telephone messages left by The Herald-Whig. Dick Wentura is the other commissioner.

"The holidays is the big thing," Ayers told WGEM.

Quincy Mayor John Spring said Tuesday the investigation was in the hands of the commissioners. The investigation began in mid-October, and three nonunion city employees were fired earlier this month. The three firefighters are an assistant chief, a nonunion position, and two lieutenants who are union members.

Sources said city computers were seized during the investigation. The city has written policies governing the use of electronic equipment, including e-mail and Internet use. Penalties for violating the policies include termination. Fire Department personnel have a separate code of conduct.

The employees fired Nov. 6 were from Central Services, Information Technology and the Fire Department. Spring said at the time they were terminated for violating city policies and misusing city equipment.

GEM to Broadcast Chiefs Football Game


WGEM sports is the tri-state's sports leader for a reason. The Keokuk Chiefs have made it to the Class 3A State Championship and not only has WGEM brought you the highlights for EVERY game along the way, they will also BROADCAST the championship game live on CGEM.

That's right! CGEM will air Saturday's game between Keokuk High School and Bishop Heelan High school for the 3A Iowa Football State Championship.

Coverage will begin at 12:30PM. CGEM can be seen in Keokuk as channel 2 on cable and channel 10.3 on DTV.

CGEM can be seen in Quincy as channel 18.

WGEM will also be there in person in Cedar Falls to bring you all the post game reactions and trophy presentations. You can hear the reactions Saturday night on WGEM News at 10 Weekend Edition.

Watch the Chiefs attempt to bring home their first football state championship ever LIVE on CGEM at 12:30 PM Saturday