CLARKSBURG, W.Va. — Clarksburg Fire Chief Stephen McIntire has been fired for painting a mural in the office of the chief, according to the city.
No specific information about the mural has been released, but McIntire is calling for a public hearing because he said his rights have been violated under the laws governing civil service employees.
Through an attorney, McIntire said he believes the action was taken as a result of lawsuits filed against the city by firefighters over improperly calculated overtime and backpay.
A letter from City Manager Tiffany Fell received by McIntire Monday confirms the termination was due to the mural recently added in the chief’s office at department headquarters.
McIntire said he was terminated after being questioned about the firefighter’s legal complaints.
McIntire is calling for a public hearing of the of the Fire Civil Service Commission and has subpoenaed Fell, Councilmen Jim Malfregoet and Jerry Riffle, Chief Accounts and Budget Officer Cherie Greathouse, Superintendent of Public Works John Workman, and Director of Code Enforcement Ashley Carr..
No more details have been released about the mural at this time.
Story by Mike Nolting, WAJR