The fire chief in a small town near Birmingham has been fired after an investigation into workplace harassment.
Chief Jason Rickels was accused of swatting at a firefighter’s groin, using demeaning language and trying to stop the employee from filing a complaint, according to an investigative report prepared by J.W. Furman, a lawyer in Birmingham.
“…all the interviewees offered that they or some of their coworkers were uncomfortable or fearful around Chief Rickels,“ according to the report. ”All said he is constantly offensive in his speech and demeanor. More mentioned his anger and their concern over retaliation.”…