gvogrin@tribtoday.com
LIBERTY — An arbitrator has ruled in favor of a Liberty Township firefighter, reinstating her to her prior rank as captain inspector.
Cathy Macchione had been demoted two ranks following last year’s investigation into firefighter John Beard’s overdose death in April 2020.
According to grievance documents, arbitrator Rick Bales found the township used “weak evidence” to justify demoting Macchione to firefighter.
Bales ordered the township to rescind all charges of wrongdoing against Macchione as well as pay her lost wages and benefits resulting from her demotion.
Liberty Township attorney Cherry Poteet said the township has accepted the arbitrator’s decision and restored Macchione, as of Jan. 18, to her prior position as captain inspector. Poteet said township officials will make no other comments on the issue.