KENNEWICK, Wash. (AP) - Two Benton Public Utility District linemen were disciplined for failing to make sure a downed power line was safe for a firefighter.
The utility says they didn’t see an energized line because they didn’t get out of their truck.
A volunteer firefighter was shocked as he sprayed water on a small wildfire started by the downed line Feb. 12 at Finley. The firefighter, 22-year-old Ty Schoenwald, has recovered.
Officials told PUD commissioners Friday the two linemen were given a week’s suspension without pay, a one-month demotion and a three-year probationary period.
The Tri-City Herald reports (https://bit.ly/1cpXFrA ) the two linemen will share their experience in safety outreach programs with other emergency responders.
___
Information from: Tri-City Herald, https://www.tri-cityherald.com
Please read our comment policy before commenting.