Question
My husband is a volunteer firefighter and has been been for 42 years.  About 7 1/2 years ago he was in an automobile accident and broke his neck.  At first he could not take care of himself, but now he is 95% capable of caring for himself.  He still has issues with sitting and standing for long lengths of time but other than that is fully functional.  He is still volunteering as a firefighter.  He finally is receiving disability benefits.  He is holding a partime job and is a functional member of the community.  The public safety director of our township knows that he is on disability and has sent us a letter stating that "he is a danger to the public and other firefighters and should be removed as a member of the volunteer firehouse immediately."  Can the public of safety director tell him he can NO LONGER BE A MEMBER OF THE FIRE DEPT AS A VOLUNTEER?  Also, his doctor provided us with a note saying what exactly he can do as a volunteer firefighter.  The doctor states that he can do most anything except wear the airpack, and go into a burning building.  He can still run command on the fireground, provide training, etc...  I have a meeting with the Mayor and public safety director of our township next week.  I guess what I need to know is what can I do to educate the public safety director showing him that my husband is not a danger to the public or his other firefighters. What hurts my husband the most is that he is saying that HE CANNOT EVEN BE A MEMBER OF THE FIRE DEPT JUST BECAUSE HE HAS A DISABILITY.  Please tell me this is not true?!
Thank you so much for your input.

Answer
First off, does the volunteer fire company have any problems with how your husband performs his duties?? If they did wouldn't they be the ones to tell your husband that he doesn't meet their requirements? His doctor has cleared him with one exception. It appears to me reading your letter that no one has a concern except the public safety director. His statement borders on defamation of character. Does he even have a right to make such a statement? Why is it his concern? Maybe he is unfit to be public safety director because he wears blindfolds. What is his proof that your husband is unsafe?? If he is unsafe because of his disability then 1000's of working disabled individuals would be unsafe. Shoot for that matter I'm unsafe! If his volunteer fire fighter have no problems or concerns then there is NO PROBLEM. If they do have concerns is there an alternate job he can perform within the company? The man doesn't need education he needs to be knocked down a peg!! Hopefully this helps!