Columbus Fire Chief Ned Pettus Jr. recommended Thursday that a firefighter who shot his two dogs to death before going on vacation be terminated.
Firefighter David Santuomo was sentenced to 90 days in jail last month after pleading guilty to animal cruelty charges, 10TV News reported.
In December, an anonymous tip brought officers from the Capital Area Humane Society to the Dumpster behind Fire Station 27 where they found two bloody bags containing the dogs' bodies.
Santuomo, 43, allegedly bragged to fellow firefighters that he shot his dogs because he was leaving on vacation.
A search of Santuomo's home revealed a rifle equipped with a homemade silencer. Prosecutors said that in the basement of his home, Santuomo tied two dogs to a pole and fired 11 shots.
The Division of Fire office said that several complaints and concerns were received after Santuomo's conviction.
Pettus' recommendation will be reviewed next week by the Director of Public Safety, fire officials said.
Santuomo has been a firefighter since 1996, 10TV News reported.
Stay with 10TV News and refresh 10TV.com for continuing coverage.
Previous Stories:
June 24, 2009:
Firefighter Goes To Jail For Shooting Dogs
December 30, 2008:
Firefighter Allegedly Boasted About Killing Dogs
December 16, 2008:
Investigation Continues Into Firefighter Who Allegedly Shot, Killed Dogs
December 10, 2008:
Firefighter Allegedly Shoots, Kills Dogs
