City Council dismisses fire chief

The Eunice City Council on Wednesday fired Fire Chief Mike Arnold.
The termination was recommended by Mayor Rusty Moody and came following a brief executive session during which the mayor presumably shared with council members his reasoning for the action.
Arnold in early November was charged with simple battery after allegedly slapping a female volunteer fire fighter on the buttocks area.
His trial on that charge is set for Feb. 23 in City Court.
Neither Arnold nor his attorney, Thomas Regan of Lafayette, participated in the closed-door part of the meeting.
At the meeting’s outset, Regan objected to the proceedings because he alleges the state Fireman’s Bill of Rights was not followed in the matter.
“We believe the investigation was flawed and believe that some other portions of state law (the Bill of Rights) were violated,” he said, asserting an investigation of Arnold was begun at Moody’s instruction prior to Arnold being notified.
He is referring to any investigation by the employing authority that may have been conducted relative to the chief’s job status. The Fireman’s Bill of Rights requires notification and sets specific time frames.
That is apart from any law enforcement investigation of a complaint lodged against a fireman, policeman or any other citizen.
Regan indicated he believes Moody asked for a job-related investigation weeks before notifying Arnold.
What conclusions that investigation reached were not discussed in the public part of Wednesday’s meeting.
When the council and Moody returned from the closed session, Moody recommended the termination and the council voted 4-0 to accept the recommendation. Ward 2 Councilwoman Germaine Simpson was absent.
Arnold has been on paid leave ($13.91 hourly) since his arrest. Chief duties have been shared by shift captains.
Arnold has been chief since since November 2011. He was previously fire chief in Basile.
He can appeal his dismissal to the Fire and Police Civil Service Board.