Court Opinion

ID: 9744340
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-26 22:01:07.392681+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T07:24:48.667528
License: Public Domain

Concurring Opinion
Sullivan, J.
I concur solely upon the ground that Article X, Section 1 of the Rules and Regulations of the Speedway Fire Department confers upon Harris the right to a hearing. Absent such provisions, I am unable to factually distinguish City of Frankfort v. Logan (1976), 168 Ind. App. 81, 341 N.E.2d 510, although in the latter case no “due process” argument was considered by this court.
Absent the Rule, I am unconvinced that a probationary fireman has such a “legitimate claim of entitlement ... [to continued employment]” as to constitute a property interest subject to 14th Amendment due process protection. Harris’ claim to a right to a hearing is therefore dependent upon the Rule of the Speedway Fire Department rather than upon any independent claim of entitlement to continued employment. *116The Rule affords him a hearing. That is sufficient basis for reversal of the trial court’s judgment.
Note. — Reported at 346 N.E.2d 646.