Facebook Played Role in Schlener's Termination

It appears that former Bethlehem firefighter James Schlener's Facebook postings played a role in his termination. In addition to his sick time abuse and DUI, he made it clear to everyone that he was thumbing his nose at provision requiring sick firefighters to stay home.

Bethlehem, like many cities, has been plagued by sick time abuse. In fact, its most recently arbitrated contract with firefighters gave the City increased power to counter those who play the system. Schlener found that out the hard way.

Here are the facts, which were apparently undisputed. On August 21, 2012, Schlener called in sick. Under his contract, he is required to stay home except for medical visits. But Schlener instead thumbed his nose at his union contract and went to a fair in Bangor, from which he played politics and posted pictures on Facebook. Two days later, he called in sick again. He went to pick up a prescription, which is permitted, but then decided to stop at a bar. After leaving the bar, he smashed into a utility pole with his Jeep, breaking the pole in half. Bethlehem police stated his blood alcohol was three times the legal limit.

If all that was involved was a DUI, the City concedes it would not have fired Schlener. But in this case there was both sick leave as well as Schlener's poor judgment in documenting and advertising his transgressions on Facebook. According to the Arbitrator, Schlener "escalated the severity of the violation by documenting and advertising his activities."

In other words, he rubbed the City's nose in his own transgressions.

As a 17 year veteran, the Arbitrator concludes that Schlener should have known better.

James Schlener Arbitration

Schlener's Sorry

Schlener in dunk tank

Last year, I asked whether a policeman or firefighter with a PFA should be required to notify his superiors. Although I mentioned no name, Bethlehem Democratic Committee Chair Jim Schlener is the person who was on my my mind. He happens to be a Bethlehem firefighter.

In 2010, his wife was forced to file a PFA against him after a history of abuse that included being kicked and threatened. He never challenged it. She divorced him.

I mentioned no names in my post last year. But Schlener is one of several trolls who infest this blog, usually late at night. So naturally, the attacks began. Both I and Schlener's ex were targeted..

I should have outed the bastard.

I had no idea at the time that Schlener, who incidentally injected himself into the Gracedale debate with the Fake Rev, has a history of abusing women. Back in in 2004, according to The Express Times, Schlener was charged criminally after clubbing his girlfriend's noggin' with a glass candlestick and an aluminum sewing kit.

Last week, starting on Tuesday, Schlener began calling in sick. But he was well enough to drink. On Thursday night, after an accident to which his own shift responded, he blew a 0.256.

But he's sorry.

Here's what he put up on Facebook.

I would like to publickly apologize for my actions on thursday night DUI is serious and I made a terriable mistake driving and was also taken pain medications for a injury i received on tuesday. Stupid combo to be taken behind the wheel or anywhere else. I apologize to the Mayor , The City, Fire Chief , asst Fire Chief and the entire Fire Departmen and Police and EMS. FROM THE BOTTOW OF MY HEART. I AM SORRY. I AM IN THE HOSPITAL FOR ALEAST THE NEXT 72 hours to work on my problems and we will see where thst leads me too. In closing I am sorry for all the bad press our Moyor, City , Fire , Police have been receivivg from my inmature and dangerous actions. I will be back a better person. This is my promise to everyone.
Thank you james schlener

I'd like him to publicly apologize for beating woman and trolling anonymously.

I also think he should step down as Dem party boss.

Updated 8:38 AM:  I have deleted a line indicating that Schlener's then girlfriend dumped him after the 2004 assault. In fact, she married him.