The commission voted unanimously Monday to uphold the decision of Provisional Fire Chief Brian Rooney suspending Senior Fire Inspector Ronald Morales and Fire Inspector Ismael Hernandez from July 10 until Sunday.

But neither is expected to return to work after the punishment expires — Morales is on injury leave and Hernandez is on sick leave.

The Bridgeport Fire Fighters Association Local 834 appealed the suspensions for the inspectors, and the fire board acted on the appeal in a special meeting Monday. The inspectors did not attend the meeting.

Board member John O'Malley suggested the two should have been fired.

Jim Ferguson, the inspectors' lawyer, vowed to appeal to the state Labor Board in Wethersfield. He also called the Board of Fire Commissioners a "kangaroo court."

Ferguson listened as the commissioners commented on the case, but did not offer any rebuttal. He left before the commission ruled, but not without a parting shot. "I'm going to the Labor Board and prove your statements wrong," he said. "I'll put my case in the proper forum."

Rooney accused the inspectors of attending a $700 week-long management class in Louisiana from May 23-27 while on leave. The classes lasted eight hours, with one-hour conferences following nightly.

In addition, Hernandez went on sick leave in April, providing a doctor's note, but not specifying his illness, Rooney said.

The two collected a full paycheck while taking the class, between about $1,100 and $1,300, according to the chief.

The inspectors' actions reflect an ongoing abuse of the department's sick-and-injured leave policy, he claimed.

"It's gotten out of control," Rooney said. "Some employees feel entitled when it comes to this benefit."

Rooney also pushed for assigning administrative duties to sick and injured fire personnel who are fit enough for light work.

The board members said Rooney's discipline could have been harsher.

"I think you were very generous, with a two-week suspension," said board Chairman Stuart Rosenberg.

O'Malley said the if the two men were fired, their salaries could be diverted to help keep open an engine company that may have to otherwise be closed because of fiscal constraints.

Fire and union officials and the city are still in talks in efforts to avoid closing the fire company.

One board member said Morales and Hernandez showed disrespect to the board by not attending the meeting. Another suggested the department try to recoup the inspectors' pay during the week they took the course.

Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.