THE MENTALLY ILL EMPLOYEE AND THE FIRE SERVICE
BY ROBERT J. MARONEY
Captain Smith had never been a good employee but has now finally crossed the line. His quick temper and radical mood swings make him one of the most difficult supervisors to work with on the shift, and he has been disciplined numerous times for inappropriate behavior (e.g., swearing at subordinates, abusing sick leave, and even threatening the battalion chief). Despite numerous attempts to help Smith through counseling, referral to the employee assistance plan (EAP), time off, and even a day off from decision making, nothing seems to work. It finally came to a head when he threatened a business owner while doing a company inspection. Termination time, right? Well, not so fast.
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