HAMMONTON, N.J. — Two of six volunteer firefighters named in complaints of harassing or threatening behavior were cleared of wrongdoing and their suspensions overturned at a special town meeting Thursday afternoon.
The Press of Atlantic City reported that an investigation found no evidence that a firefighter and his son, also a firefighter, did what a complaint alleged. Town officials voted that they be reinstated as members of Hammonton Independent (N.J.) Volunteer Fire Company Station 2.
Officials declined to say what charges were made against the two firefighters, or specifically what charges have been made against the other four firefighters. So far, officials said that four firefighters were accused of sexual harassment, two of sending threatening text messages and one of aggressive driving and trying to force another firefighter off the road.
Allegations are still pending against the other firefighters and an investigation is still underway.
Fire officials said names of the accused firefighters should be kept private until investigations are complete so their reputations aren’t harmed.
“My desire would be in future, anything like this should happen, the names be removed until such time as charges can be validated,” said Assistant Chief Bill Eppler.