The Oak Lawn firefighter accused of making phone calls to sex lines while on duty has been fired.
Firefighter/paramedic and former union officer Robert Lanz was terminated Monday for “violations of multiple departmental rules and regulations.” Oak Lawn Fire Chief George Sheets sent Lanz a letter on Feb. 4, informing Lanz he would be seeking to terminate the firefighter/paramedic’s employment following a disciplinary hearing last month.
The termination notice also noted that Lanz had a history of disciplinary actions leading up to his separation from service. Lanz is alleged to have made and/or received phone calls from sex lines while on duty.
Lanz was given 10 days to let the village know if he wanted a hearing before the Oak Lawn Police and Fire Commission. After waiving the hearing, Lanz’s termination went into effect immediately on Monday.
“The firehouse is not an animal house,” Sheets said in a news release. “While we are on duty, firefighters are expected to devote their full attention to the needs of the community. Mr. Lanz’s conduct fell far short of that expectation, and he is no longer an Oak Lawn employee.”