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| Prison officer facing arson charges back on job |
| By Citizens' Voice |
| Published: 05/26/2004 |
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Accused arsonist Jason Fierman is back on the job. Luzerne County (Pa.) Correctional Facility Board decided to reinstate Fierman on Monday. He had been on paid leave since being arrested for his alleged role in a 1998 Wilkes-Barre City fire. Deputy Warden Sam Hyder said Tuesday the board voted to let Fierman work as an officer at the minimal offenders' building. "You have to remember he is only accused, not convicted," Hyder emphasized. "He is normally a guard at the main facility, but due to the circumstances we decided to move him outside." Hyder said Fierman could be subject to harassment from other inmates, which is a safety concern. The deputy warden also explained because of the language of the union contract, if Fierman were to be suspended without pay, the move would likely be challenged with a grievance. "We might as well work him and utilize him," Hyder said. "If he is on paid leave, his shift has to be replaced with overtime. Instead of putting another burden on the taxpayers, why not work him?" Fierman's attorney, Basil Russin, could not be reached for comment. Commissioner Todd Vonderheid, who also sits on the prison board, called the matter a "personnel issue" and declined to comment. Although Fierman is back to work, the prison board has taken action to prevent situations like Fierman's from occurring in the future. According to a new hiring policy adopted Monday, a person cannot apply for a correctional officer position if they have past felony convictions, domestic violence convictions, drug related offenses or have criminal charges pending. Once the charges are filed, a person is in eligible for employment until they are resolved. Fierman was hired in November 2001, almost 30 months before the charges were filed. |
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