Bryant firemen told by council professional manner' required
By LEWIS DELAVAN News editor

Firefighters have been admonished to conduct themselves in a "professional manner" while an investigation by Bryant City Council continues.

The council met in executive session nearly four hours last week to continue an executive session to discuss allegations raised by the firefighters union against Chief Randy Cox.

Mayor Larry Mitchell read a statement afterwards.

"The mayor and city council have received allegations brought by three firefighters and a majority of the statements received from other fire department personnel regarding the allegations.

"At this time, we have two findings:

• The facts which have been presented so far do not support the removal of Chief Cox;

• The facts which have been presented so far do no support disciplinary action against any other firefighter," the mayor said.

"These findings are subject to change, pending the completion of the investigation," he said.

Then the council directed the city attorney to review all fire department policies regarding "the personal use by fire department personnel of city equipment, city facilities and city personnel, and report back to the City Council.

"Fire department personnel are directed to conduct themselves in a professional manner in order to properly serve the citizens of Bryant."

In other business, the council approved a $99,511.20 purchase order to Hanson Pipe & Precast to buy pre-cast culverts. Five large culverts are needed for Woodland Park Road extensions.

The price is well under bids received last fall, which ranged from $123,000-$125,000.

Consideration of fire department policies was on the agenda, but was tabled, and the board went into a threehour, 50-minute executive session.

Spurring the fire department's investigation was a letter received recently from International Association of Fire Fighters Local 4606 of Bryant.

The union letter expressed "no confidence" in Fire Chief Randy Cox.

The union was organized last fall but is not officially recognized by the city.