Verizon Worker Gets Suspended For Using Work Equipment to Save a Cat
A Verizon field technician ended up at the center of a story that has people arguing about kindness, workplace rules, and a cat named Momma. Maurice German was working in Port Richmond, Pennsylvania, when a resident asked him to help rescue a cat that had been stuck on a telephone pole for 12 hours.
Attempts had already been made to save Momma, and several organizations had been called in, including the fire department, the phone company, and animal rescue. German stepped in using work equipment, and that decision later led to a suspension.
Now the rescue is getting attention for all the wrong reasons, and the fallout is still sparking debate.
This is Maurice German
The cat in question stuck on a telephone pole.
He agreed and used the boom lift to reach the cat as many other residents looked on. The cat was returned safely to its owner. All should have been well with this situation, but Verizon was not happy with German and suspended him for 15 days.
German rescuing the cat.
When speaking to CBS Philly, Rich Young, a spokesperson for Verizon, had this to say:
"We take no joy in this job action. However, we’re committed and responsible for keeping our employees and customers safe while working in a particular area."
The network continued explaining the training their field technicians have to go through and the exercises they undergo to ensure that they keep themselves and the wider community safe.
"Unfortunately, while this employee’s goal was admirable, he potentially put his life and those around him in jeopardy. While our actions may not be popular, it’s in the best interest of our employees and the communities we serve."
According to Young, Verizon is making a donation to the Pennsylvania SPCA in Fishtown to support the charity's animal rescue efforts.
Two GoFundMe pages were set up to raise the money German would otherwise lose in income during the 15 days. One of these was set up by his colleague, Keith Morales. In the description, Morales wrote:
"The $4,650 goal is the equivalent of the 15 days (3 weeks) pay that Maurice will forgo for simply being a human being looking to help one of our four-legged friends. Thank you in advance for your donation, and please remember that no donation is too small."
The campaign has exceeded its $2,400 goal and has raised $3,395 and is no longer accepting donations.
This is similar to the woman who slammed a Redditor for trying to take her cat home.
That rescue quickly turned into a bigger conversation about whether German should be punished for helping out.
What is your opinion on this? Did German do the right thing? Did Verizon act unfairly? Did you donate to help German with his income during the 15 days?
People are still split on whether this was a good deed or a workplace mistake.
Wait until you see the firefighter who found a cat alive, 32 days after the earthquake. Read the full story.
Share this article:
