WASHINGTON — The probationary firefighter accused in January of neglecting to help a dying man across the street from a D.C. firehouse was fired after repeatedly not showing up for work.
The Washington Post reported that the firing of Remy Jones comes nearly 11 months after the death of 77-year-old Medric “Cecil” Mills. On Jan. 25, Mills collapsed of a heart attack near the firehouse and later died. The incident drew wide calls for reform after it was revealed that firefighters denied assistance and told people to call 911.
Jones, who at the time had been on the job for just two months, was working the watch desk. He did not ring the alarm bells, but instead called a supervisor for assistance.
He later said he was unsure what to do if someone came to the firehouse asking for help. New fire chief Eugene Jones suspended him without pay for 24 hours and ordered the probie to undergo remedial training, according to the report.
Jones was fired because he developed a pattern of unexcused absences during his remedial training. The department has placed him on administrative leave until late December, when the termination is final, according to the report.
During his training at the academy last fall, instructors warned Jones about problems with his attitude and behavior.
Of the five firefighters involved in the Mills incident, only three remain with the department. Lt. Kellene Davis, who was in charge that day, retired before facing disciplinary proceedings. One firefighter accused of reading a book instead of helping was given a 60-hour suspension, while two others were reprimanded and cleared.