An administrative law judge has upheld the discipline for two Macon-Bibb firefighters who took part in a prank shooting at Station 108 in September.
Administrative law judge Robert Herndon made his decision after hearing the appeal case for Chris Hughes and Josh Brewer
Hughes was fired and Brewer was demoted from sergeant to private and suspended for 10 days by Chief Marvin Riggins.
Herndon's ruling said, "Sgt. Brewer exhibited poor leadership in willingly participating in conduct that was a blatant violation of Order 26 recently revised by Chief Riggins."
Order 26 says initiation of fire personnel will immediately cease and that the Macon- Bibb County Fire Department has a zero tolerance policy for hazing.
By phone Brewer said Wednesday he's disappointed in the decision. He said the other firefighters involved were also charged with breaking Order 26 and received a lesser punishment.
Brewer said he believes he was punished more severely because he had something to lose, his rank.
He said he has not made his mind up if he will stay with the fire department.
The judge cited Hughes past discipline issues with the department as factoring in to his decision.
Hughes was suspended for being late and accused of a DUI.
"Hughes' disciplinary history indicates an unwillingness or inability to conform to the proper standards and orders of the City of Macon and the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department," says Herndon.
Hughes said by phone he's glad it's finally over and he's moving forward.
Both firefighters can appeal the judge's decision to Mayor Robert Reichert.
Both said they do not plan to appeal to the mayor.
Brewer said since the chief's original punishment for all those involved was less than the final discipline actions against them, he feels others pressured the chief to give harsher punishments.
Brewer said he assumes that pressure may have come from the mayor, and if that's the case, there would be no reason to appeal.