The Cobb Fire and Emergency Services Department said Wednesday that it has disciplined seven firefighters who were found to have “collaborated on answers in a proctored-exam situation.”
A release issued by the Cobb Communications Office said that following an internal investigation, four of the firefighters were demoted from lieutenant to engineer, and three others—two engineers and a firefighter—were suspended without pay.
“We are extremely disappointed by the poor judgment of these firefighters,” Fire Chief William Johnson said in the release. “We launched an investigation as soon as we learned of the accusation. Those involved cooperated with us and realized they had made a huge mistake. The punishment is severe but should send a message that this department will not tolerate any breach of ethical behavior.”
The release said the exam was a state-administered certification for becoming instructors on “specific fire apparatus operations.”
He said the seven individuals otherwise had “spotless records. The discipline rendered hopefully reinforced all the values that the department embraces. It is regrettable, but it shows we will handle these situations appropriately, knowing the department’s reputation is on the line.”
Johnson said the department will review how the courses in question are handled in Cobb County and will work “with the state to make any changes necessary.”
Related:
- Register officially appointed as Cobb public safety director
- Cobb Police K9 dies in hot patrol car after A/C malfunction
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