EUNICE, La. — A fire chief has been fired after he allegedly slapped a female volunteer firefighter on the butt.
The Advertiser reported that Eunice Fire Chief Michael Arnold, who has been the chief since November 2011, has been on paid administrative leave since the Oct. 9 incident.
City council officials held an executive session Wednesday and voted unanimously to support the mayor’s termination recommendation.
“He is terminated, but he does have his appeal to the Fire and Police Civil Service Board,” said Alderman-at-large Jack Burson.
For now, shift captains are handling the chief’s duties.
“That seems to be working out for now,” Burson said.
He said the city doesn’t want to begin the process of looking for a new chief until the civil service hearing, which could reverse the council’s ruling.
Chief Arnold also faces a criminal hearing Feb. 23 on the charge of simple battery filed by the 33-year-old volunteer firefighter. He pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
Police said the incident happened during a fire prevention program at an elementary school. The female firefighter alleged in her complaint that the slap took place during a changeover between classes and was “unwanted and made her feel uncomfortable,” according to the report.
The arrest warrant said other firefighters present supported her version of the incident.
Chief Arnold was not available for comment Thursday.
Eunice is a paid fire department that operates in cooperation with the Eunice Volunteer Fireman’s Association, Acadia Parish Fire District 4 and St. Landry Parish Fire District 6.