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Firefighter laments anthrax prank penalty
By BRADY DENNIS
© St. Petersburg Times, ZEPHYRHILLS -- A city firefighter who was suspended over a fake anthrax prank spoke out for the first time Thursday, saying he felt singled out and that the punishment was too harsh. Timothy Stromsnes, 32, was suspended for 72 work hours over the incident, which happened Oct. 17, the day after the department received a suspicious envelope. Co-workers say Stromsnes came to work with an envelope. When he hit it, white powder went flying, records said. Fire Chief Robert Hartwig ordered a hearing. The committee recommended a 48-hour suspension, which Hartwig increased to 72 hours. On Thursday, Stromsnes said he thought the punishment was unjust. "I don't think it was right," he said. "All my union rights were revoked. I've never even given a statement. It's amazing to me. It's like somebody was judge, jury and executioner." Stromsnes, who has been with the department 12 years, said his co-workers knew he was joking and had a reputation as the station's "stand-up comic." He said he wouldn't have pulled the prank if he thought anyone would take offense. "It's hurt my family and hurt me very much," Stromsnes said. "I think all my brothers there are behind me. They mean a lot to me." Firefighters union officials have said they are considering filing a grievance against the city for improperly handling disciplinary protocol. Police are considering whether Stromsnes should face criminal charges. Making a terrorist threat is a second-degree felony. Police Department officials said they were waiting until Thursday to see if Stromsnes would consent to questioning. Stromsnes and his Tampa attorney, Alex Stavrou, said Thursday they had not decided whether to talk with police.
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From today's Pasco Times |
