Bryan County responds to wrongful termination petition filed by former firefighter

Editors Note: WSAV is clarifying the original and updating the original article indicating the paperwork is a motion to dismiss, not a ruling in favor.

BRYAN COUNTY, Ga. (WSAV) – Bryan County leaders have filed a motion that would have a wrongful termination petition dismissed.

Former firefighter, Joel Paskauskas, filed the “Writ of Mandamus” (Georgia General Assembly | PAW Document Page) petition after he was fired from the department in July. If granted, the motion would force county officials to give Paskauskas an employment hearing or his full-time position back as a Bryan County firefighter.

News 3 spoke with Paskauskas last month, shortly after his firing, when he accused the department of a “toxic workplace.”

In the dismissal motion, the county states that it was within its rights to fire Paskauskas for failing to show up for his assigned shift or finding a suitable replacement, and for misuse of PTO during the employment probationary period.

In a statement to News 3, Paskauskas says, “Bryan county’s motion to dismiss is filled with several misleading statements. I look forward to responding to these claims within the statutory time frame and ensuring that the truth is brought to light.”

You can view both Paskauskas’ motion to the court as well as Bryan County’s response below.