By Tony Plohetski
Austin American-Statesman (Texas)
Copyright 2007 The Austin American-Statesman
All Rights Reserved
AUSTIN — Austin fire officials said Tuesday that they have been unable to identify who smeared human excrement on the locker of a female firefighter at a station on Duval Road in December.
Investigators questioned more than 40 people who might have known something about the incident - detectives used polygraph exams during some of the interviews - and gathered DNA and fingerprint samples from possible suspects, said acting Assistant Police Chief Julie O’Brien. Austin police internal affairs detectives helped with the investigation.
Firefighter David Bethke, a 14-year veteran, was suspended for three days after investigators said some of his statements to them were inconsistent. According to a disciplinary memo, the investigation did not indicate that Bethke was involved in the incident.
Chief J.J. Adame said a second firefighter is expected to be disciplined this week for an offense related to the inquiry. He declined to identify the person until a disciplinary hearing is complete.
“Obviously, we are very disappointed with what occurred, as are many, many members of the Fire Department,” Adame said. “We take this very seriously.”
Officials said the criminal investigation will remain open.
Firefighter Rebecca Farris discovered the waste when she showed up to work Dec. 21, about four months after being promoted to drive the fire engine at Station 25. Officials have said she also found urine in a shampoo bottle.
Farris declined to comment Tuesday.
The incident raised questions about the acceptance of women and minorities into a profession that in Austin has historically drawn white males.
Last year, an African American woman attending the department’s training academy sued the city after she was fired, citing discrimination.
Firefighter Louise Joubert, a spokeswoman for the Austin Women Firefighters’ Council, said in a statement,
“We would like to reemphasize that we are confident this was the act of one individual and is in no way indicative of the culture of the Austin Fire Department or the overwhelming majority of its firefighting men and women.”