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3 Charlotte firefighters who sued over promotions finally promoted

By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com
By Blaine Tolison, wsoctv.com

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Friday was a day three Charlotte firefighters fought for.

Capts. Mike Clumpner, Eric Withers and Jeffrey Matthews were finally promoted to battalion chief after being part of a lawsuit over the Charlotte Fire Department's promotion process.

Last year, the department started receiving criticism over the way it promotes its firefighters. We received anonymous letters claiming women and minorities were not being treated and promoted fairly. The department admitted it's struggling with diversity, but says it's investing in recruiting more diverse candidates.

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Clumpner, Withers, and Matthews were denied promotions under former Chief John Hannan - despite having the qualifications.

In a settlement of their lawsuit, the city of Charlotte agreed they would be promoted and given back pay. The agreement was contingent upon the Civil Service Board approving the promotions, but last month it voted to deny them.

RELATED: 3 Charlotte firefighters who sued over promotions denied again

The Civil Service Board eventually reconsidered, and Friday the firefighters and their families crowded into the Charlotte Fire's Uptown headquarters to take part in the promotion ceremony.

Their new boss - Fire Chief Reginald Johnson - said it's a day all firefighters can be proud of.

"It'll be a symbol of reviewing processes and tweaking where we need to tweak, but this is a symbol of let's move forward," he said.

The firefighters' union, which fought for the promotions on their behalf, was tight-lipped about the lawsuit and why they were denied.

"It was a long road, but at the end of the day, they were promoted, they had the qualifications,” said Tom Brewer, president of the Charlotte Firefighters Association. “They're more than capable. They're more than qualified."

Johnson said there's still work to do behind the scenes and he has no doubt the men promoted will help him do it.

"You try to get promoted and you finally succeeded. It is a great day of celebration and thanks,” Johnson said.

Johnson said he would have to consult with the city attorney before talking about the lawsuit.

Even if he could, it’s clear his focus is on the future of this department and saving lives.

Johnson said he has met with council members and command staff, and is now visiting fire stations to learn as much as he can about the department, so he can make changes where they need to be made.

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