we are golden

You wanna threaten me? Go ahead. But you come anywhere near my firehouse or the people who work here and I will make sure you never work at another fire station in the entire tri-state area. I don’t want to see your face around here again. 

Out. Now. 

I’ve told you the grounds and already cleared this with the Commissioner. He agrees that it’s the best decision for the fire department and the people in this house. I believe the victims, Baleman. Don’t care if Chief Brody doesn’t. I won’t be saying this again: pick up your things and don’t come back. 

Don’t get comfortable. The Commissioner of the Port Henry fire department has issued a Conduct Unbecoming of a Firefighter form against you and has put this firehouse under deep scrutiny by the higher ups, the press, and the public. It warrants a suspension and grants me the liberty to make decisions regarding the future of your position at this firehouse. You will not be suspended. You’re fired, Baleman. I don’t care what the PHPD decided to do today, or any other day for that matter, but you are no longer welcomed at Firehouse 13. I will not have my firehouse under a microscope and I will not have anyone accused of sexually assaulting another parading around my house. Especially a house who’s firefighters are predominantly women. Collect your things, quietly, and if you so much as look at any of the girls in my house the wrong way, I will kick you to the curb myself, am I clear?

That’s enough, Lieutenant. My office, Baleman. Now.

You’re a Stone. Doesn’t matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, you’re a legacy. And as much as the fire academy can teach you, it doesn’t beat your spirit. If you really want this, you’ll get there. Wherever you want.

Perfect. You’ll be starting tomorrow then. 8:00 A.M and reporting with Lieutenant Acosta on Truck 14. I’ll brief her on everything she needs to know before you start. She’s one of the best firefighters in this company.

Presley, sit down. Good to see you. I heard you completed your training, so I have some good news. A spot just opened up on truck, which means that if you want that candidate spot it’s all yours kiddo.

I will this time. I promise.

I appreciate the offer Ms. Brady, but I have to get back to work soon. I’d love to join you some other time though, if you’ll have me.

I’m not exactly sure how the legal process works, but we won’t be taking him back here. Its not a risk I’m willing to take.

Its not just about –– I wanted to call you, but you came over to the fire station the other day and I saw you leaving with Baleman and I didn’t want to get in the middle. I thought... I’m just sorry. If there’s anything I can do, please let me know. He won’t be returning to work at my firehouse. 

I’m afraid so, Joey. It really did slip past all of us, didn’t it?

I am so sorry in behalf of the fire department for whatever might have happened between you and Matt Baleman this week. As his chief I should’ve noticed something, anything that would’ve raised a red flag before anything happened –– but if you don’t know what I’m talking about, please stop me and I can also apologize for jumping the gun. I can’t help but feel partly responsible.

I don’t know if normal’s an option, but I need you hand out these pamphlets everyone has to have memorized by the next shift. I think we should let everyone say what they have to say and make sure his things aren’t vandalized. We’ll know next week what the verdict is and if we have to prepare for a trial. 

No starting fires in my station... Whatever else you decide to do, don’t tell me.

The PHFD ordered an obligatory workplace conduct seminar, so you should brief rescue squad about it. I also want everyone to be aware that this will probably be a tough blow for our firehouse. The backlash might come sooner than expected and we’re all going to be under deep public scrutiny.