Plunkett is facing five felony counts of sexual misconduct with a minor under the age of 14.
In November by a 3-1 vote, the merit commission suspended Plunkett for a year without pay for violating department rules and regulations.
This includes two OVWI arrests and distributing a photo of two unknown men engaging in a sexual act. The photo was then edited with the face of another firefighter and a local citizen.
Fisher, who has openly pushed for Plunkett’s termination since his arrest, says he believes the fire department presented enough evidence and information in their case to have Plunkett fired from his position.
“For them to vote for suspension without pay, I felt the character of this person does not reflect the character of the Terre Haute fire department and our firefighters and that’s why I’m seek for this person to be terminated,” Fisher said.
Prior the results of the appeal, the fire merit commission’s decision allows for a review of Plunkett’s employment status if he is convicted of a crime.
If Plunkett’s charges are still pending after a year the suspension will continue.
If Plunkett is not convicted he can be reinstated.
Fisher is waiting for a hearing date with a judge to be set.
