Home Depot Fires 70 Year Old Texas Vet for Trying to Stop Thieves
While he was at work at Home Depot job in June, veteran Jim Tinney spotted 3 men carrying lots of expensive tool sets to the checkout. Not a big deal, but Jim also noticed that the men seemed to get more nervous the closer they got to the front of the store. One of the men yelled "Let's Go!" They bolted towards the door with all of their pilfered goodies in hand. That's when Jim's Army training kicked in. He knew he wouldn't be able to reach the culprits in time, so he grabbed the nearest item (a paint-roller extension) and hurled it at their feet. Unfortunately, the thieves were slowed but not stopped and would get away.
KSLA reports, that would not be the last time Jim would hear about the incident. 2 weeks later, the 70 year old vet was called to the office and summarily fired for his involvement. Company officials cited company policy that requires all employees to avoid confrontation with shoplifters. Home Depot's spokesman issued this statement:
We have a strict policy that only our trained security personnel can pursue and engage shoplifters. We've had deaths and serious injury over the years, and no amount of merchandise is more important than the safety of our associates and customers.”
Jim admits to knowing about the policy, but believes he could have been written up. He says he loved his job and now is having a problem finding a new one, telling reporters;
I need to work, and I needed that job. I enjoyed working with the customers helping figure out what they want to do. It's fun”