Augusta’s personnel board has upheld the terminations of two firefighters who admitted picking up items from a Columbia County wreck scene.
After a two-hour hearing Wednesday, the board quickly voted 8-0 to affirm. Member J.R. Riles said the board wanted to send a message.
“The fire department and the police department, you’ve got to be able to trust them to take care of your personal stuff when you’re in a difficult situation,” Riles said.
The incident took place on the Interstate 20 roadside near the Columbia-Richmond County line. Sgt. Antoine Mullins and firefighter Wesley Hughes went to the scene as first responders when its precise location wasn’t known, Augusta Fire Chief Chris James said.
The two Augusta men were arrested and fired shortly after Columbia County announced the February terminations and arrests of two sheriff’s deputies, Sgt. Mark Smith and Wesley Harden, and two firefighters, Lt. Christopher Ganther and Randall Atchison, in connection with taking items scattered along the road and roadside after a wreck injured their owner, according to previous reports. Sheriff’s Capt. Steve Morris said Wednesday the terminations remain in effect and criminal charges are pending.