Local News in Brief : Fireman Seeks Counseling
A veteran Los Angeles fireman accused of intentionally appearing nude in front of a woman firefighter was excused early from a Fire Department Board of Rights hearing Wednesday to seek stress counseling recommended by a departmental psychologist.
Capt. John Squire, who represents Anthony Morales, 33, a seven-year veteran, told the three-member board that Russell Boxley, a consulting psychologist who had observed the firefighter from the audience during the hearing, had warned that Morales could “crack up.” Boxley is developing a stress-management program for the Fire Department.
The hearing continued in Morales’ absence with other witnesses called to testify.
It was the second time this week that the board excused a key figure in the case because of emotional upset. Firefighter Sharyl Pleubuch Seward, who has accused Morales of sexual harassment, burst into tears and hurried from the room Monday.
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