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“I know,” Matt replied. “But…”
“But what?” Mike encouraged.
“If I keep sabotaging myself, I guess I’m not into it as much as I used to be.”
“Did you ever get counseling, as I suggested?” Mike asked.
“I had to go to the six sessions that were mandated two years ago, and I did go to a couple after my first suspension… but that was it.”
“You don’t think the sessions helped deal with Carla’s death?”
“That’s not the issue anymore, Mike.”
“Then what is?”
“Nothing I want to get into at the moment,” Matt insisted.
“You’re going to lose your job… I think this is the right moment to get into it.”
“I don’t!” Matt retorted as he rubbed his temples.
“Do you need AA?” Mike asked. “You got drunk last night, right?”
“I’m not an alcoholic!”
“What every alcoholic says before they admit they are one,” Mike sighed. “Matt, I’m just trying to help ya.”
“I know, and I appreciate it. I just think it’s time for something else.”
A knock on the door signaled the conference room was ready for them, so Matt stood up and opened the door. He waited for Mike, who hesitated, but Mike resigned to Matt’s stubbornness and exited the office.
When Matt entered the conference room, he noticed the Battalion Chief, two city council members, someone with a laptop who appeared to be typing notes, and his own shift captain. Mike motioned for Matt to sit on one chair and then Mike sat next to Matt.
“I call this meeting to order,” Keith, the Battalion Chief stated. “Susan, please read the past offenses.”
The woman behind the laptop looked at her notes and read, “Twenty-four months ago, Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan was enrolled for mandated counseling after the death of fellow firefighter, Carla Susana Cuenza. Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan attended all six mandated sessions. Eighteen months ago, Fire Chief Edward Brandon gave a verbal warning to Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan for repetitive tardiness to his shift duties. Thirteen months ago, Fire Chief Edward Brandon wrote a written warning that was given in the presence of Firefighter and Union Representative, Mike Blanchard for tardiness of one-to-two hours past the shift start time. Eight months ago, Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan met with Fire Battalion Chief Edward Brandon with a mandate to begin counseling. Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan completed three sessions.
“Six months ago, Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan was put on unpaid suspension for one week. Four months ago, Firefighter Matthew Lewis Kaplan was put on unpaid suspension for two weeks for continued tardiness.”
“Son,” Battalion Chief Edward Brandon began, “you went four months without a tardy. You had two more months to go and I was hoping you’d be able to do it. What happened?”
“Sorry, Sir,” Matt began. “There is no excuse for my blatant disrespect to our department.”
“Without a reason, we are unable to re-evaluate your position,” one of the city council members stated.
“I do not have a valid reason, ma’am,” Matt concluded.
“Very well. We will proceed with the termination of your position with the Riverside Fire Department as of today,” the other council member declared.
Papers were brought before Matt and he quickly signed them with no hesitation. The fire chief and battalion chief were hesitant, but eventually, they signed as well. After the last city council member signed the termination papers, Matt stood up and said, “It was an honor to serve alongside this amazing department. Thank you.”
Matt turned around and walked out of the conference room and headed toward his bedroom to gather his personal belongings.
“Matt,” Mike called as he leaned up against the doorframe to the bedroom where three beds were evenly spread out.
“Later Mike,” Matt interrupted. “I don’t want to talk here.”
“Understandable. I’ll call ya, later,” Mike confirmed.
