Augusta’s personnel board has upheld the terminations of two firefighters who admitted picking up items from a Columbia County wreck scene. After a two-hour hearing Wednesday, the board quickly voted 8-0 to affirm. Member J.R. Riles said the board wanted to send a message. “The fire department and the police department, you’ve got to be able to trust them to take care of your personal stuff when you’re in a difficult situation,” Riles said. read more