Council suspends Lexington firefighter 120 hours after refusing shorter punishment
The Lexington council on Thursday approved a 120-hour suspension for a Lexington firefighter who was charged in May with driving under the influence.
The council’s unanimous vote came six months after the council refused to approve a 48-hour suspension for Justin May, who pleaded guilty to DUI and endangering the welfare of a minor in Garrard County last year.
According to a police citation, May was stopped for speeding at around 9:12 p.m. on May 2 in Lancaster. May told officers at the time that he knew he had made a mistake and should not have been driving, according to court records. His blood-alcohol level was .179, twice the legal limit of .08. May had a minor in the car with him at the time of his arrest.
He pleaded guilty to DUI and endangering the welfare of a child. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days, and he had to pay fines and court costs, according to court records.
In a rare move, the council voted 11-4 on Oct. 24 to turn down a 48-hour suspension recommended by the Lexington Fire Department. That suspension was for two, 24-hour shifts without pay.
Council members said after the October meeting they could not discuss why they turned back the suspension because it was an ongoing disciplinary action that would return to the council for final approval.
Lexington Police Chief Kristin Chilton told the council at Thursday night’s meeting that 120 hours equates to roughly three weeks without pay.
Chilton said the 120-hour suspension was agreed to by May and the Lexington Firefighters Union IAFF Local 526, the firefighters union that represents firefighters in disciplinary matters.
This story was originally published March 6, 2020 at 10:05 AM.
