Get Married...Get Fired

[Blackadar]

*sigh*



Firefighter who married captain's daughter fired

COLUMBIA, South Carolina (AP) -- A firefighter who married a fire captain's daughter was fired Tuesday after a judge ruled against a request to let him keep his job while he sues the city over its anti-nepotism policy.

The judge denied Matt Cooper's request, saying the city's policy is clear.

Cooper, 25, was told he was going to be fired after his June 18 marriage to Brooke Lowery, 21, the daughter of fire Capt. Herbie Lowery.

But Cooper sued to block the termination, claiming he is not the captain's immediate family member. Cooper also claims in his lawsuit that other city employees work in the same department as relatives.

Cooper's attorney Molly Elkin said she was disappointed, but the firefighter, who had worked with the Rock Hill department for 2 1/2 years, would continue to contest the matter.

"We still have a lawsuit," Elkin said.

It could be months before the case is heard; Cooper has requested a jury trial.

Cooper had temporarily won his job after a federal judge granted a restraining order. However, the decision Tuesday dismissed that order, and Cooper was fired during his shift that day, said city manager Carey Smith.

Rock Hill, a city of 54,000, is 20 miles south of Charlotte, North Carolina.

[JeeberD]

Woo, Rock Hill! My aunt and uncle live there...

[cody8200]

I guess I dont understand...did the fire chief, his father in law, fire him or was it the city because they are now related. At first I thought it was the fire chief because he didnt like the guy marrying his daughter, now I'm not sure.

[Suicane75]

This would be the greatest story ever if the girl was 13.

[Young Drachma]

Surely the Fire Chief must be trying to make a statement. I mean, couldn't he prevent it otherwise? Weird story.

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by cody8200

I guess I dont understand...did the fire chief, his father in law, fire him or was it the city because they are now related. At first I thought it was the fire chief because he didnt like the guy marrying his daughter, now I'm not sure.

I believe the city has a nepotism policy. I think the Captain is just brought up because that is the 'related' family member. I don't think this has anything to do whether or not the Captain likes him or not.. just think it is the city.

[Blackadar]

Why hasn't the Captain also been fired? Hm.........

[stkelly52]

My guess is that this gets firing gets shot down in about a year, and the city will have to pay him a years salary in compensation.

[cody8200]

Originally Posted by Suicane75

This would be the greatest story ever if the girl was 13.

Then he could be fired from his job and be charged with a class 3 felony all before noon. I wonder if he went to prison if he could have conjugal visits?

[Mustang]

Originally Posted by Blackadar

Why hasn't the Captain also been fired? Hm.........

Probably seniority reasons.

[BrianD]

Originally Posted by cody8200

Then he could be fired from his job and be charged with a class 3 felony all before noon. I wonder if he went to prison if he could have conjugal visits?

Only if he is in a Kentucky prison.

[Easy Mac]

In all reality, Rock Hill is maybe 5 minutes from Charlotte. I visited RH all the time in high school, it was the closest place with a mall and a movie theater... ahhh i skipped school many a time to go up there.

[finkenst]

Originally Posted by stkelly52

My guess is that this gets firing gets shot down in about a year, and the city will have to pay him a years salary in compensation.

I think you are absolutely incorrect in this regard.

Originally Posted by original article

while he sues the city over its anti-nepotism policy.

The judge denied Matt Cooper's request, saying the city's policy is clear.

Sounds to me that he knew about the city's policy.

I know the company I work for has a similar policy since there are lots of people in the company who are married. The company also arranges to find work for both people in the couple if one were to get an assignment that requires them to move...