Fire Chief Faces Disciplinary Hearing After YouTube Video Surfaces
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Singing the National Anthem doesn't usually get Battalion Chief John Grillone in trouble, but when a YouTube video surfaced of Grillone singing it in a firehouse, the Philadelphia Fire Commissioner charged that Grillone's conduct was unbecoming.
"Unfortunately, this is only the beginning," said Grillone, as he left a disciplinary hearing with his attorney and union representative.
Grillone, a 38-year veteran, is seen singing, eating cookies and talking to co-workers in the video. There was some foul language used as well, but Grillone's attorney, Alice Ballard, maintains the men were just simply having good clean fun.
Jericka Duncan reports...
Last month, firefighter Charles Tizol was suspended without pay for 4 weeks, since he's the one who posted the YouTube clips, which were made in the fall of 2009.
The videos were filmed at Engine 71 on Cottman Avenue. Grillone says at the time, he was just trying to boost morale after the deaths of three firefighters.
The disciplinary hearing panel will make a recommendation to the commissioner in the coming days. A spokesman from the commissioner's office said the fire department has no comment. As of right now, the fire department doesn't have a social media posting policy in place.
Reported by Jericka Duncan, CBS3
