YOUNGSTOWN The 7th District Court of Appeals has rejected a request from the city’s firefighters union to have an “independent, neutral” party investigate a claim that fire Chief Barry Finley threatened violence against a firefighter.
The court dismissed the case, ruling the union does “not have a clear legal right” under the city’s laws “to the appointment of an independent, neutral investigator and the city does not have a clear legal duty” under city law “to appoint such an investigator.”
“The city is pleased that the court has protected the right for the city to conduct and issue fair and thorough employment investigations,” Law Director Jeff Limbian said.
Alabama News
Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed released the following statement regarding the City of Montgomery’s preparations for any possible protests:
“Our residents and businesses can take comfort in knowing we are taking every step to ensure their safety and security this weekend. I am directing Chief Finley and the Montgomery Police Department to use every resource at their disposal and authorized extra manpower. We have open lines of communication with the Governor’s Office and have been actively engaged with ALEA for months. In addition, we are working with federal agencies, including the Secret Service and FBI, who have been a source for insight and consultation. Regardless of the challenge, Montgomery is Ready.”