Sequoyah County employee fired

SALLISAW, Okla. (AP) -- An employee of the Sequoyah County Health Department has become the 25th person fired in a continuing state Health Department investigation.

Richard Pace, an environmental technician, was fired this week by Jerry Regier, acting director of the state Health Department.

Pace's position involved inspecting hotels and motels, swimming pools and barber shops in Sequoyah County. He also investigated suspected cases of rabies and other nuisance complaints involving possible health code violations.

"I have no comment on any of this. Sorry," Pace said Thursday.

Regier said Pace is a classified employee and can file an appeal of his termination with the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission in Oklahoma City.

Earlier this month, Regier suspended Pace's supervisor, Sequoyah County Health Administrator Morris D. Jones. A decision on any further punishment is expected by Tuesday.

Jones was suspended with pay while health department investigators examine "alleged improprieties," Regier said.

Also suspended with Jones was Steven R. Childress, administrator of local health departments in Pontotoc, Bryan and Marshall counties in south-central Oklahoma.