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A photo of Fond du Lac firefighter/paramedic Edgar Ramirez-Tellez is seen on the wall at the fire department, Jan. 16, 2013.

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Firefighter's job still up in the air

Updated: Wednesday, 06 Feb 2013, 10:38 PM CST
Published : Wednesday, 06 Feb 2013, 10:38 PM CST

Alex Ronallo, FOX 11 News

FOND DU LAC -

A Fond du Lac firefighter is fighting to keep his job.

The fire chief says Edgar Ramirez-Tellez used department equipment and a sick day inappropriately to start a restaurant on the side. Chief Peter O'Leary is asking the city police and fire commission to fire Ramirez-Tellez.

The second stage of the hearing to decide Ramirez-Tellez’s fate lasted several hours Wednesday night.

Ramirez-Tellez does admit he used a work computer to do some research before his restaurant opening. He contends he did not realize that was against the rules.

The city called its final witness first, assistant city attorney Chad Wade. Wade testified to directions Chief Peter O’Leary gave Ramirez-Tellez in regard to not running his restaurant from the fire house.

Ramirez-Tellez’s lawyer called several character witnesses for the defense.

Co-workers testified to the paramedic’s work ethic.

We have both sides.

“We talked specifically about the fact that when Edgar’s at the fire house doing his work, he’s not supposed to also be doing work for his company, he shouldn’t have people call him while he’s on duty with emergencies at the restaurant," said Wade.

“He was always someone that as a medic I would trust, being on the ambulance with him, you know, somebody that you could throw around ideas with each other. He’s definitely someone I look to as a good medic," said Laura Ketelhat, Ramirez-Tellez's fellow paramedic.

Before the commission can decide whether Ramirez-Tellez keeps his job there will be closing arguments.