Copyright 2006 The Columbus Dispatch
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By The Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
Columbus fire officials will await the outcome of a criminal case before determining whether to discipline a firefighter who is accused of helping his brother spray paint anti-war slogans on three overpasses in the Toledo area.
John Ferner, former president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 67, and his brother, former Toledo Councilman Mike Ferner, were arrested Sunday. They are charged with vandalism, criminal damage and possession of criminal tools.
“If there is a conviction, it would be presented to our professional standards unit,” said Battalion Chief Doug Smith, a division spokesman.
The unit’s findings would be presented to Assistant Chief Warren Cox, who would recommend to Chief Ned Pettus Jr. whether discipline is appropriate.
The State Highway Patrol said Mike Ferner, 54, painted “Troops Out Now” on two overpasses and “Bye Bush! Hi Robb!” on another along I-475/U.S. 23 in suburban Toledo. Troopers said John Ferner, 46, drove the truck.
“It was a bad mistake and I’ve got to live with the consequences,” John Ferner said yesterday. “I hate to see the Fire Division and its members discredited over it.”
The (Toledo) Blade reported that Mike Ferner has been a critic of U.S. military action in Iraq and participated in a “peace tour” of the country in 2003.