The Associated Press
TUCSON, Ariz. — A Tucson Fire Department battalion chief is fighting a suspension she received for inappropriate e-mails to a subordinate.
The suspension was handed out in July to Battalion Chief Sharon McDonough after she engaged in e-mail conversations with a fire captain that disparaged homosexuals, said Assistant Chief Randy Ogden.
The department also suspended Captain Roger Lee, however, Lee retired before the suspension took effect, Ogden said.
Tucson Fire Chief Daniel Newburn told civil service commissioners during a hearing Monday that there were no allegations of an inappropriate relationship between McDonough and Lee.
It was the e-mails between a commander and subordinate that were seen as inappropriate, Newburn said.
McDonough’s attorney, Michael Storie said he had no comment on the case while it was in progress. Storie instructed McDonough not to comment either.
A personnel form said McDonough failed in her responsibility to stop inappropriate communications with Lee and to take disciplinary action against him.
It said McDonough’s actions showed a lack of leadership, poor judgment and a failure to heed the directions of the city’s equal opportunity director.
Engineer Michelle Maliniak learned of the e-mails and included them in a presentation she made to the Tucson Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, Transgender Commission, Ogden said.
The hearing was continued to Tuesday afternoon.