KingAlarm fires second employee
Published:Tuesday | July 17, 2018 | 12:00 AMJason Cross/Gleaner Writer
A second KingAlarm security officer has been fired for improper conduct in a recent incident at Braemar Estate in St Andrew, during which licensed firearm holder Andrew Woolery was disarmed and physically assaulted.
At a press conference last week John P. Azar, KingAlarm's managing director, outlined disciplinary action taken against guards found guilty of offences during the altercation.
However, last week, only two of the three guards found guilty learned of their fate, as the third person retained an attorney, prompting the postponement of his hearing.
"We had the third and final disciplinary hearing last week Thursday afternoon," Azar said on Monday. "This was in relation to the officer who appeared to slap Mr Woolery while he was subdued. After his hearing, his employment was terminated. This means that both officers who were seen striking Mr Woolery have had their employment terminated," he added.
He continued: "While both officers had exemplary records during their time in our employ ... KingAlarm has a zero-tolerance [approach] pertaining to certain types of behaviour, especially when it is felt that our standards and best practices have been compromised."
Azar explained that the male guard fired has filed an appeal, as is his right under the labour code. The appeal is to take place at a later date.
In the meantime, Peter Champagnie, the attorney representing Woolery, has maintained that his client did nothing wrong.
"What happened unfolded with a number of individuals. I would not be surprised if the police, at the end of the day, seek the opinion of the director of public prosecutions on how to proceed in respect of [who is to be charged]. I still maintain that my client did not do anything unlawful to anyone that day and that he was a victim of an attack," Champagnie said.