By Kelly Monitz
The Standard-Speaker
HAZLETON, Pa. — A Hazleton firefighter who pleaded guilty to killing a wild turkey outside the city fire department’s Southside Station was suspended without pay pending a mandatory hearing, Acting City Administrator Mary Ellen Lieb said Tuesday.
Kevin Ruby, 39, was fined $1,000 last week on a non-traffic citation filed by the state Game Commission related to the Oct. 10 incident. Ruby allegedly shot a turkey while on duty, cooked the bird and served it at the fire station - a scenario Lieb confirmed she heard from several people.
“I did not hear it from Kevin himself,” she said following a meeting among city officials to discuss the matter. “That’s another advantage to the Loudermill hearing. He’ll have the opportunity to tell his side of the story.”
Lieb hopes the hearing, which government employees are guaranteed prior to removal or other disciplinary action, can be scheduled this week.
Action may also be taken against two other unnamed firefighters pending the hearing, Lieb said.
Ruby will be cited under a city ordinance regarding the discharge of a firearm within the city limits, Lieb said. Police Chief Robert Ferdinand said last week the department was considering filing the charge.
Ruby may also face disciplinary action in two other municipalities, West Hazleton and Kline Township, where he is employed as a part-time police officer. Both departments launched internal investigations into the incident and action would hinge on those inquiries, their police chiefs said.
West Hazleton Police Chief Brian Buglio was asked by council to attend an executive session Tuesday night. He did not know the reason, but believed it was related to the turkey incident.
Republished with permission from The Standard-Speaker.