WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — A fire lieutenant at T.F. Green International Airport has been terminated after the Rhode Island Airport Corporation (RIAC) accused him of "gross misconduct." Steven Parent’s firing comes amid allegations that he discouraged people from working at the airport, leading to vacancies that allowed him to accrue thousands of dollars in overtime pay. RIAC claims Parent made more than $52,000 in overtime due to these vacancies. Duc Nguyen, RIAC's senior vice president of operations, said Parent defended himself in a hearing Tuesday afternoon. "We listened to it, but based on his misconduct and everything we know about it, I terminated him today," Nguyen explained. R.I. Council 94 President Michael McDonald called the decision to fire Parent "completely unjust," pledging to advocate on Parent's behalf. "The alleged charges that they're bringing forward are completely ludicrous," McDonald said. "We believe they very well may be retribution for some difficult labor-management relations that have taken place over the last several months." RIAC clarified that this situation pertains to Parent’s personal conduct, not the union’s, and confirmed that he is eligible for the grievance process. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily Roundup SIGN UP NOW