Feud over firefighter's job reveals department discord - Today's Paper > Local News | Bakersfield.com - Kern County news, events, shopping & search
Wow...rumors, sex and alchohol... Perception is everything! Click on the link above to read all of the sordid details!
The story so far
Fired firefighter Robby Pratt was disciplined for allegedly engaging in a sex act at a fire station that was witnessed by Capt. Bryan Perry back in 2003.
Pratt contends it didn’t happen.
Perry is the only witness.
Pratt was charged with drunken driving in August 2006.
The charges were dismissed for lack of evidence, but Fire Chief Ron Fraze and City Manager Alan Tandy fired Pratt.
The Fire Civil Service Commission heard Pratt’s appeal in February and upheld his firing.
Commissioner Stuart Gentry, who has since resigned, initiated contact with Pratt both before and during Pratt’s hearing. Pratt is asking for a new hearing. He also has three lawsuits against the city for unfair disciplinary actions.
“Is (Pratt) a saint?” asked Pratt’s lawyer Richard Middlebrook. “No. But did he get railroaded? Yes.”
Charles Brehmer, another lawyer for Pratt, said the city has ignored his demand for a new hearing.
“There’s been absolutely no response,” Brehmer said. “Surprise, surprise.”
