Fighting For Firefighter

"This is a cautionary tale, that could happen to any of you.
 
I had worked hard to achieve my dream of being a Phoenix Firefighter. I was a great employee, never in trouble, and gave back to the Department. I was also a participating and dues-paying Union Member.
 
Six years ago, that dream was ripped from me when I was falsely accused of crimes I did not commit. I was never asked by The City of Phoenix, The Department, or Local 493 what really had happened. I received no due process.
 
I was fired faster than anyone in PFD history, all because of "optics". I did not roll a Fire Engine, I defended my family from an intruder that showed up at my house in the middle of the night.
 
L493 and HR told me I could get my career back if the charges were dropped or I was found innocent.
 
It took 4 years to get my "right to a speedy trial" underway and get my day in court, to prove my innocence. I was facing 68 years in prison.
 
All charges were dropped "with prejudice" days before the trial was starting. With prejudice means they can never come after me again for the false charges they threw at me.
 
I contacted the City and the Union to see if they would make good on their promise to reinstate me, neither would help me. I received the runaround and was told I would have the Union at my Civil Service Board hearing, they did not show. I could not afford an attorney, I could only represent myself, and the Civil Service Board essentially put me back on trial. I was not successful in getting my career back."