A D.C. firefighter has been relieved of duty after refusing an assignment to “soft post” — act as a crime deterrent — in a Southeast neighborhood, reports NBC Washington (http://bit.ly/1qe7oGy).
D.C. Firefighters Used in Efforts to Deter Crime
D.C.’s deputy mayor for public safety uses “soft postings” during late-night hours. Engine 30 was issued an order, according to D.C. Fire Chief Kenneth Ellerbe, to “soft post” at East Capitol Street and Benning Road SE Thursday night.
Ellerbe said two firefighters from Engine 30 refused the assignment, one of whom was relieved of duty.
“That is insubordination,” Ellerbe said. “He was disruptive and disrespectful.”
NBC Washington reported that the fire truck, which was initially out of service following the incident, was back on the street by 11 p.m. Thursday.
NBC Washington reported these “soft postings” late last year, when D.C. Council member Kenyan McDuffie said he asked for help from city administrators after a series of crimes in the Trinidad neighborhood.
