Story Created:
Oct 16, 2009
Story Updated:
Oct 19, 2009
A firefighter who was accused of removing items from a fire scene will return to work on Monday.
Deputy Chief Chris Hughes was seen with association members visiting central station this morning.
Hughes had a behind close door meeting with Fire Chief Steve Landin about returning to work.
Back in July there was an arbitration hearing held to discuss the allegations against Hughes.
Allegations included not advising the chief of removing items from the scene of a candle factory fire.
In January of this year Hughes was placed on suspension indefinitely until further investigation.
The arbitration hearing determined he would receive a suspension of 45 days without pay.
"He was cleared on criminal charges and then the association with information allowed us to come in and defend him on his case of indefinite suspension. And he was clear on that also." David Gonzalez with the Laredo Firefighters Association told Pro 8 News.
Fire chief Steve Landin who is a close friend of Hughes, would not comment on camera but released a statement saying quote "I stand relieved by the arbitrators' decision and acknowledgement in the case. Even though the suspension period of the employee was modified, I feel assured that our department's position and commitment to protect life and property shall remain the first and foremost."
