Excerpts from Herald-news.com: A Crystal Lake City Council member is raising concerns over a city policy that permitted two firefighters, who are currently facing assault and battery charges, to continue working with the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue Department while their cases are still under investigation. The council member became aware of the situation through a news article that detailed the incident leading to the firefighters’ administrative leave. He expressed disappointment upon discovering that the two men were allowed to remain employed with the department, despite the ongoing criminal investigations. The two firefighters involved are Adam J. Fowles, 41, from Cary, and Timothy R. Kerley, 38, from Crystal Lake. They were arrested on May 11 in connection with an off-duty incident that took place on March 15. Following an internal employment investigation, they were placed on administrative leave without pay. However, due to the terms of their union contract, they were permitted to work on non-shift days during this period. Fowles was charged with aggravated battery in a public place, while Kerley faces charges of aggravated assault and disorderly conduct. Both have pleaded not guilty and are set to appear in court on Thursday. Although the incidents occurred in March, the arrests didn’t happen until June. According to Deputy Police Chief Thomas Kotlowski, this delay was due to a comprehensive investigation involving over 20 hours of video footage and multiple witness interviews. He emphasized that the complaint was handled just like any other, and no evidence was found suggesting either firefighter posed a threat to public safety. Fire Chief Paul DeRaedt explained that the administrative leave policy prevents the two firefighters from working their regular shifts, resulting in approximately $900 in lost wages per shift. However, they are allowed to take on overtime shifts of up to 24 hours, which pays 1.5 times their regular hourly rate of $37.35. DeRaedt noted that both firefighters have taken advantage of these overtime opportunities. While he did not specify the length of their leave, he confirmed that both will return to duty before the end of the week. Despite one of the charges involving alleged battery against a woman, DeRaedt stated that the city’s investigation concluded there was no risk in allowing them to continue working. “We used many resources to evaluate the incident, including legal counsel,†he said. “This was an isolated off-duty event, and based on our knowledge of the employees and what had occurred, we felt comfortable letting them work.†All City Council members were informed about the arrests and charges against the firefighters. The fire department’s labor union contract outlines four main disciplinary actions: oral and written reprimands, unpaid suspension for up to 30 days, and discharge. However, the contract does not specify how long an employee should serve administrative leave. DeRaedt said each case is evaluated individually, taking into account past disciplinary actions and the employee's history. He added that no further disciplinary action will be taken unless one or both firefighters are convicted of a crime, which could lead to termination if they no longer meet employment conditions, such as holding valid EMT and driver’s licenses. The Illinois Department of Public Health allows individuals convicted of a felony to maintain an EMT license if they meet other requirements and do not pose a risk to patients. DeRaedt emphasized the importance of addressing rule violations promptly, even before a criminal conviction is finalized. “Waiting for a conviction would delay our ability to address the issue effectively,†he said. “We want to ensure that any violation of the rules is dealt with as quickly as possible, within the constraints of a thorough investigation.†Automobile Timing Belt Honda Cr-V I,Honda Timing Belt Honda Cr-V I,Timing Belt Honda Cr-V I,Auto Timing Belt For Honda ZHEJIANG AOSITE AUTO PARTS CO.,LTD , https://www.aositebelt.com