MySuburbanlife.com recently published an article detailing a legal action taken by four Riverside firefighters and officers. The case involves a disciplinary decision made by the fire department following an incident that occurred after a Christmas party at a local bar in December 2013. The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday in the Cook County Circuit Court, names A.J. Ruska, Lt. Thomas Bensfield, Lt. William Ruska, and Lt. Ray Williamson as plaintiffs. They are seeking to have their disciplinary actions overturned, arguing that the punishments were unfair and based on questionable grounds. The suit claims that the firefighters were disciplined for "not engaging in official business while consuming alcohol while off duty at a bar." However, it also states that Lt. William Ruska was not present at the bar during the incident. According to reports, the firefighters were at the Sweet Spot, located at 2531 Desplaines Ave., North Riverside, on December 14, 2013, when one of them allegedly touched a female patron inappropriately. This led to an altercation, and three of the firefighters—William Ruska, Bensfield, and Williamson—were each given three-day suspensions on March 26 for failing to intervene. A memo from Fire Chief Spencer Kimura, included in the lawsuit, states that the suspensions were due to the firefighters' failure to discipline a subordinate employee when required. A.J. Ruska received a three-day suspension on April 17, followed by a 21-day suspension for "conduct unbecoming of a Riverside firefighter," which is considered a violation of the department's code of conduct. The lawsuit argues that the language used in the village’s code of conduct is unconstitutionally vague. It also claims that A.J. Ruska faced harsher consequences because he allegedly failed to disclose a license suspension in February 2013. In contrast, another firefighter who did not disclose a DUI conviction and license suspension received a lesser punishment, according to the suit. Additionally, the plaintiffs allege that they were not provided with the right to legal counsel during their disciplinary hearings, which they believe violated their due process rights. The firefighters are now asking the court to reverse the disciplinary charges, seek compensation for lost wages and attorney’s fees, and have the fire department’s code of conduct declared invalid. The case has sparked discussions about the fairness of internal disciplinary procedures and the importance of due process within public safety agencies. Versatile Custom Paperboard Boxes And Folding Cartons Folding Paperboard Boxes,Paperboard Boxes Packaging,Corrugated Paperboard Boxes Jiangsu Hualong Printing Co.;Ltd , http://www.hlpackingtop.com
Firefighters file suit in Riverside