Chicago Fire Dept. deputy chief demoted after DUI & gun charge, but now has union protection

Occupy Chicago, November 17

Last month Loyal Nichols Jr., a deputy Chicago Fire Department chief, was arrested for driving under the influence, a weapons violation, and leaving the scene of an accident. He was placed on paid administrative leave, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting and he has been demoted to battalion chief. That's a beneficial move for Nichols, since he now has union protection and the Chicago Fire Fighters Union "progressive discipline" policy will make it difficult for the CFD to fire Nichols.

It's a sweet deal for Nichols, even though right now he is only facing allegations as his case works its way through the legal system.

The Sun-Times is also reporting that Nichols has been a generous contributor to the campaign funds of Cook County Commissioner William Beavers, a veteran South Side Democrat. Nichols once dated Beavers daughter.

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