New York, New Jersey, Connecticut News: Wantagh

Saturday, 22 September 2012

Doctor to determine if fired Wantagh janitor can return

Eyewitness NewsWANTAGH, N.Y. (WABC) -- A hearing for a janitor who was fired following an outburst has determined he is now suspended with pay.

"I feel great they gave me a second chance and I promise not to do it again," said Turner.

Mel turner is on cloud nine, and tons of people are happy for him.

"I understand they need to take their time and have them evaluated but I have no doubt that Mel will be approved to be safe," said Elizabeth Stacy.

A few weeks ago Turner had an autistic outburst.

He said a group of kids had been bullying him and he yelled that he was going to blow up the school.

The audio tape eventually made its way into the hands of administrators.

They fired turner, who had been working as a janitor in the Wantagh school district for the past five years.

He's been beloved in the community for decades.

"The school is standing by and they're going to do a good bullying program. this graduating class will be the class that made the difference in the community," said Patrick Ryder, a Turner advocate.

Turner will remain suspended, and was ordered to go see a doctor who will then determine if he is able to work.

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Thursday, 13 September 2012

Beloved Wantagh janitor fired after outburst

Web produced by Jennifer Matarese, Eyewitness NewsWANTAGH, N.Y. (WABC) -- A community is rallying behind an autistic janitor who was fired on Long Island.

Hundreds poured into a school board meeting demanding he be rehired.

The janitor was let go over an outburst.

He was apparently the subject of ongoing bullying and students say he simply lost it.

Mel Turner lost his job and with that he lost his connection with the community because he would not be allowed to attend any school related events, like the big homecoming game.

But, he didn't lose the love and support of the Wantagh community.

45-year-old Mel Turner remembers everyone's birthday, he just needs to hear it one time.

His autism gave him that talent, it's also meant he's been bullied his whole life.

In July, A group of kids cursed and teased him.

When he walked home that day, he saw a different group of kids and allegedly threatened to blow up the school.

Those kids recorded his outburst and turned the recording over to school officials who suspended and then fired him.

Hundreds crowded Thursday's school board meeting to stick up for Turner.

"He had a meltdown. He said horrific things. He said he's sorry. He just wants a second chance," said Patrick Ryder, Turner's friend and neighbor.

Mel is thankful for the love and support his neighbors gave him.

He really just wants his job back.

"I didn't mean what I said. I feel bad," Turner said, "I promise I will never say it again, and I need a second chance at my job."

The school district explained their hands were tied because there are clear rules about making threats and the safety of students.

Late Thursday night, the school board lifted the restriction on attending school events and said they would reconsider allowing Mel Turner to return to his job.

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