Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
User submission
2.1M
Employee Saves Child From Kidnapper, Instead Of Promotion Gets This Letter Saying He’s Fired
ADVERTISEMENT
This guy from Portland, Oregon just lost his job at Home Depot for violating company policy, which doesn’t sound like such a big deal until you realize that the reason he broke the rules was because he was stopping a child from getting kidnapped!
“At the time, the only thing I was thinking about was the child’s safety,” said 32-year-old Dillon Reagan, who had worked at the Mall 205 store for four years before he was bizarrely dismissed for his heroics. “I stepped outside and sure enough, there’s this lady who’s frantic and crying, ‘Somebody help me please! He’s stealing my kid, he’s kidnapping my child!’”
Reagan and a colleague called the police and then, on the advice of the dispatcher, they followed the man on foot until the police arrived. After giving their statements, Reagan said they returned to the store around 10 minutes later, but the next day he was surprised when his supervisor scolded him for “doing the wrong thing.” A month later the company fired him for breaking the company’s safety policy, and even though they’ve since reversed their decision (possibly in light of media attention), Reagan says he isn’t sure if he wants to reclaim his job given the unfair treatment he’s received. What would you do? Let us know in the comments below. (h/t: KGW)
RELATED:
This is Dillon Reagan. He recently stopped a child from getting kidnapped while he was at work
ADVERTISEMENT
But instead of a promotion, his employer, Home Depot, dismissed him for violating company policy!
“I was fired for stopping a kidnapper from successfully abducting a child. FML,” he wrote on Facebook
Needless to say, he wasn’t the only person who was outraged by what had happened
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Games
Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!
Follow Bored Panda on Google News!
Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!
2.1Mviews
Share on Facebook
LMA
Author, Community member
This lazy panda forgot to write something about itself.
Get the latest inspiring stories via our awesome iOS app! Download Bored Panda app!
What do you think ?
Katelyn Rice 7 years ago
This has nothing to do with Trump wtf? This is a company issue not a political issue. IDIOT!!
Jim Sterrett 7 years ago
why are the rabid anti-trump people so brain-dead? It really makes so sense
Timothy Ready 7 years ago
You blame Trump for your vibrator running out of batteries. Dems would have rewarded THE KIDNAPPER for his chikd rape "orientation"...
Daryl Kiddey 7 years ago
No, this isn't a Trumpism, its the ideas of our corporate America that produced Trump and Clinton in full swing. THIS is unbridled Capitalism folks. Having an employee at their station working is ore valuable to the company then saving a child. Therefore the company was displeased, and terminated the employee. The company put their bottom line OVER POLICE ORDERS and THE LIFE OF A CHILD. And Going to Lowes isn't going to make a difference, because they'd probably do the same thing.
ジョシュア コールマン 7 years ago
It seems none of these people commenting realize that the rest of the world thinks the USA is sinking fast, most countries I've been to don't like what trump stands for. It's just 50% of the country that supports him probably only has an HS education which is really sad because America's education system is garbage compared to the rest of the world, even lower than Russia. But good job USA, ya know, for voting in the Anti-Christ and what not.
Michelle Palmertree 7 years ago
I commented that I was going to look to see how many fools brought politics into this and look at this.. Didn't even have to scroll. What ignorance.
Sacha Herman 7 years ago
Trump effect? lol Joanne was right, it's the liberal effect since it has no common sense as to why this guy got fired.
Daryn Bogart 7 years ago
No jackass....that would be the Obama effect. The Trump effect is him helping the kid.
Shawna Austin 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Damien..you are a fucktard libturd. Donald Trump would fully support this guy fir his heroic actions. Barack Obama is the pussy who would be defending the kidnapper instead. I have heard countless liberals say that it's nit the perpetrator's fault because they had a hard life. What total BS!!
Kjorn 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
you can easily see at the people who get more downvote are those who notice this as nothing to do with trump. it's sad to see that the more you are anti-trump the more don't have impartiality
PJ Thompson 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
So this company's policy has changed in the last 6 months? What a ridiculous statement and even more ridiculous that people would up vote you. We truly are a divided and crazy nation.
Todd Phillips 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Absolutely not, you f*****g idiot. This is a running problem from the Obozo POS years.
grongo bar 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
no,the politically corectness effect
Danny Root 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Every dumbfuck who posts s**t like this just to have a shot a putting Trump down is only looking for a way to make up for their own inadequacies.
piggy panda 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Katelyn Rice that was supposed to be sarcastic saying that trump was the start of our country crumbling then all this if anyone is an idiot it is you
Jennifer Toomey 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You got hit by the stupid bus and ran over in the dumbass station and left on idiot island. Just play in traffic now like you were told when you were a kid
Joanne Jenkins 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Ah no, its called the liberal affect. Wanton disregard for anything that is the right thing to do. If a person does the right thing, the left hates them. Truth.
Andrew Cas 7 years ago
Yes he did a great thing and yes Home Depot was just covering its a*s but That's what you get when no one takes responsibility for there actions all these people who have been suing the a*s off each other for the past 15 years has caused this problem! If he'd have been shot or fell over himself cause he's a clutz it would be Home Depots fault, not his! Small business owners can relate to this I have to have/pay insurance in case someone falls over a milk crate whilst it's stacked outside in an ally awaiting collection!
John Trapp 7 years ago
Home depot is one of the worst companies to work for. They pay their employees virtually nothing and only hire part time so they do not have to pay benefits like health insurance. They take complete advantage of desperate people. This guy should consider his firing a blessing because he will probably make more in unemployment checks while he looks for a more fair company
Ray Lebowski 7 years ago
I don't think this kind of event is any more prevalent now than it was 5, 10, 20, 30, or 50 years ago. What has changed is that it's so much easier for stupidity to be shown up and for the arrogance and mindlessness to "go viral". We just hear about it more often.
Rizwan Khan 7 years ago
No man not only your country this damn whole world going bat s**t crazy...
Lidee Moril 7 years ago
Stephanie, thanks for this comment. All the Trump-loving cockroaches came out of their dark intrawebz corners thanks to this comment. A lot of new people to add to my ignore list :)
blugeagua 7 years ago
Really Joanne? So racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred for anyone that's not white and Christian (as your Republican Party is known for) is about "doing the right thing"? Yeah........ what planet are you living on?
Thomas O'Keefe 7 years ago
@ blugeaqua: Republicans are not racists, misogynic, homophobic or filled with hatred. Indeed there are different points of view but your words are hateful to the extreme. Are there some that affiliate with conservatism? Of course. There some like this that affiliate with liberalism, as well. There is sufficient rabble with the political spectrum of any large group of people made up of ignorance and anger and frustration. Most mass killings, for example, are done by people of a liberal mindset. Should we label all liberals as dangerous nut jobs because of that statistical fact? I hope not. I'd like to think such things are an anomaly. Real change, however, comes from the even-headed of their respective group who calls for responsible, calm, less judgmental dialog. In other words, it starts within our own groups by people like you, for example. People willing to remain calm and open to all points of view equally and in a civilized fashion.
Donald Serbin 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Liberals at their best (which isnt much to look at all)
Ja Legge 7 years ago
How the hell can one get fired for saving someone s life? So it's ok to put someone life in danger instead of saving them??
Jaclyn 7 years ago
I'm guessing he left work to follow the kidnapper and didn't notify his supervisor. Taking off in the middle of your shift is usually a fire-able offense, but given the circumstances you'd think Home Depot would give this guy a break. Sad that his heroism was punished rather than rewarded.
Load More Replies...
Lalita 7 years ago
And that's how corporations want us to be.. Unaware of others, uninterested, selfish poor souls. Divide and conquer. There's nothing worst for a corporation than a tight community where people cares and is involved into each other's life. The world is gonna be a very sad place in no time, mark my words
Lauren Lavigne 7 years ago
I don't get how he was fired tho!! He did the right thing and they fired him?! That's just cold
Theo Morgan 7 years ago
actually, it is in the contract you get when you get hired (I work at a grocery store and have the same rule), but I still completely disagree with it in a circumstance like this. I can understand if someone had robbed their establishment and them not wanting an employee to chance the thief. But a child's life was in danger and it's amazing they had the courage to go after them.
Pamela Walters 7 years ago
Home depot should get sued for this outrage . They should naming him employed of the month for being a hero and saving that child's life
Tony Smith 7 years ago
Jaclyn: Read the termination letter. It states "You were fired but not for conduct connected with work". Therefore he WASN'T fired for taking off without notifying his supervisor, as that WOULD be "conduct connected with work".
Chris Sprucefield 7 years ago
Sir, the woman is on fire, do i have your permission to try to save her life? No. Go on stacking the shelves...
Kimberly McCoy 7 years ago
They likely have a policy to not put themself in harms way with customers because if he would gotten hurt Home Depot would be resonable because he was the clock
Ron Peterson 7 years ago
You are right. Regardless of whether he gave his employer notice that he was leaving, he should never have been fired. This hero, probably didn't have time to notify his employer. In a situation like this, seconds count! Had he taken the time to notify Home Dept, he may have lost sight of the kidnapper, ad we would be talking a bout a child's death.. It seems Home Depot is really trying to sabotage its reputation. I am glad they are being hugely successful!
Claudia Machado 7 years ago
Yes, surely, but the notice doesn't say that he was fired because he failed to notify his supervisor. It says he was fired for helping saving the child.
Heather Parsons 7 years ago
Would be a very different story if they had a bad ending to this story, and had to explain why the child was not rescued. How does that stack up against telling your supervisor, who probably was nowhere in sight!
Vance Lorn 7 years ago
HD has a policy that says to not interfere with any crimes. Only designed Loss Prevention people can even approach a suspected shoplifter. Why are policies like this? The same people who say sue HD for this are the ones who would say sue HD if this guy got his a*s kicked whiie on the clock trying to do the right thing. Yes he did a great thing, but his didn't follow protocol. As such there is a price to pay.
Eryn Stilp 7 years ago
It's nothing new. This sort of mindset is common at jobs. At my old drive thru job, I had a drunk man hurl himself out of his car window and climb through to try and hit me. I shut and locked the window on him and was written up for "ignoring a customers' needs." Another time I was written up for reporting a clearly drunk driver- with a car full of unbuckled toddlers- to the police after he almost drove into the side of the restaurant. "That is not your business." Another time the phone was snatched from my hand when I tried dialing the cops after a very abusive customer cornered me and threatened to beat me up. I was told to "just let people do whatever they want to you. You are not allowed to call for help, no matter what a customer is doing." I was too happy when I quit. NEVER EAT OR WORK AT STEAK N SHAKE, PEOPLE.
Helping Panda 7 years ago
Not sure about the reasoning to fire him but they recently changed their mind and offered to rehire him.
Ray Lebowski 7 years ago
Yeah, that makes everything go back to the status quo ante. Someone clearly was jsut following the letter of the Employee Handbook while totally ignoring the whole supposed concept of the company--to help people get things done. Some HR exec type(s) clearly didn't think this through. They won't be the ones punished, if any; based on my long-ago corporate experience, that "honor" will go to someone three levels down who doesn't have friends in the C-Suite.
Michael Babcock 7 years ago
He put himself at risk on Home Depot property as an agent of Home Depot. I can see their PoV but since everything turned out well I would've left it at "please be careful."
Shauday Smith 7 years ago
I wish i could respond to Melissa's response to your comment. But it's a huge liability for the employer if the employee decides to be a hero and fails while on the clock. The company is responsible for all their employees actions and consequences. If Dillon had hurt someone or damaged property while trying to save the child, the company would be liable for any and all expenses regardless of Dillon's intentions. Also, if Dillon himself had gotten hurt, the company again, would be liable for his medical and/or legal expenses because he was on the clock at the time of injury. Most companies encourage their workers to not try to be heroes if they can avoid it because of this. Don't get between two brawling customers if you're not security, don't try to stop the store from being robbed... These protect the employee from immediate harm and the company from legal vulnerabilities. Does this excuse Home Depot from firing their employee? NOPE. At worst, "please be careful" like Michael said.
Melissa Secrest 7 years ago
Sort of stunned by this response. You can "see their pov"?? This guy literally saved a child from likely being raped and killed and you see their pov? I can't.
B. John Masters 7 years ago
I think Shauday is pointing out why companies have policies like this. However, there is always the exception to the rule, and a smart company would have just let this slide. Sometimes you can win the battle and lose the war, and Home Depot lost the war on this one.
Doug Roth 7 years ago
Well said Shauday. There are plenty of reasons why there is a code of conduct in any workplace. This was a dangerous situation. I just don't understand the mentality of corporations when things like this happen though. First - dude is a hero without a doubt Second - by all accounts, he did the RIGHT thing Third - policies are all about setting and enforcing precedents... as Home Depot, you have to ask yourself "what are the odds another employee will try to assist police in a kidnapping case, fail, get injured, and then sue us because we didn't reprimand this employee in this case"... Well, let's be honest... nearly 0%. Do the right thing HD!
Linda Huber 7 years ago
He followed the police's orders. The police wanted him to follow the kidnapper so the kidnapper would not disappear. I repeat: he did what the police told him to do. So Home Depot is telling its employees to disobey the police? Got it.
Angel McCue 7 years ago
It's worth it. He could have gotten hurt getting shopping carts too, or going to McDonald's on his break. Or going to bank to get change. I get telling your supervisor where you're going but come on, this was pretty time sensitive.
Ron Peterson 7 years ago
You can see their point of view. But, since everything turned out alright... Are you serious? You would only condone the saving of an innocent child's life if it didn't end up costing some huge corporation any money. What an extremely sad, moronic viewpoint. I hope NO child has ever needed your assistance! From your comment, you would simply let the child die, so you could make your boss happy... I cannot express the amount of disgust I feel for you and anyone that can even have the same thought processes you have! Im-Trying-...0341e9.jpg 
Shane Haack 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Shauday Smith, Sol what you are saying is that company policy should trump being a good person?
John L 7 years ago
Boy, Home Depot really stepped on its 'Johnson' this time. Had they made him into a hero, the PR value would have been priceless. This is just one more reason why I go to Lowes first, when I need something. They also love Charlie, and the employees say "Where's Charlie" when I don't bring him with me. I'm a huge Lowes Person. :D
Flora Polvado 7 years ago
Who is Charlie? I agree with you, you gotta wonder if the people at places like Home Depot or United have any common sense at all.
Load More Replies... John L 7 years ago
See my avatar? That's Charlie, my shih-tzu. He's been with me for quite a few years, and I take him to Lowes whenever I don't have to make other stops where Charlie is not allowed. There are so many people at Lowes who know Charlies name, its unbelievable. I think they know charlie, who's a real con artist, better than me. :D
Judy Kinney 7 years ago
John, I work for Lowes here in FL and what a great company! Thank you for your loyalty.
John L 7 years ago
Judy, I have learned that Lowes is primarily a home improvement business, and Home Depot is more contractor oriented. Lowes purposefully welcomes people's dogs, and even has several employees with special needs and their special dogs. They're family oriented and really go out of their way to welcome wives and children, two and four legged. I always go there first when I need something. Charlie is my Lowes unofficial mascot, so many employees welcome him all the time. This kind of attention to customer service will guarantee their continued success.
Jennifer Baker 7 years ago
Love Lowes.I live in an old mobile home that needs lots of work and don't have a ton of money. In the last year alone they have: exchanged a water heater that froze without a receipt, talked me thru a dishwasher installation over the phone, delivered and installed a stove for free even though it was a couple bucks under the limit for that, and gave me $40 bucks off a toilet in a price match on an ad that didn't technically meet their requirements (no brand name in the ad). Called HD once to ask a question about something they advertised and got total attitude. Will be buying floor tiles in a couple weeks, not even going to bother looking anywhere else.
Taylor Ness 7 years ago
I bring my shih tzu with me everywhere too!! Pobby!! He is also well known in certain stores :D Shih tzu's are amazing creatures!!!
John L 7 years ago
Taylor, when I take Charlie, I always place him in the baby seat of cart, and tell everyone that he is in his 'lemo'. He gets to sit up much higher, and the ladies and kids just love giving him all the attention he can handle. All I have to say is "Wanna Go Bye-Bye?" His ears perk up. Then I add, "Go To Lowes?" and he is at the door, dying to get out and head over there, so he can con more unsuspecting humans. Going to Lowes, and saying hello to the UPS man, when he comes by, are his two favorite pastimes.
Taylor Ness 7 years ago
John! That is too cute!! I tried that with Pobby once. He jumped out to walk next to me. He is a rather big tzu, 22lbs+. He's not fat... He was just born twice as large as the others! He is my service dog. He stays with me during seizures and helps me pick things up from the floor, especially things I tend to drop like my keys, a shirt while changing, hair clips etc. He's a good boy. I think he just wants to be of help and being in the cart restricts him from doing anything (he gets treats for all acts of service, hehe). I have another tzu Nikola, whom i refer to as "boopy", and he is more inclined to be a passenger :} They are my children, as I cannot have any people children lol.
Ross Willson 7 years ago
Home Depot NEVER has anything in Stock to begin with and after reading this Lowes has my $$$
Madison Brown 7 years ago
Lowes didn't apply my screen door right, eventually, mold started growing and we had to redo our basement 6 times on top of that got my mom really sick. So now my parents live in different houses :l
Katelyn Rice 7 years ago
This has nothing to do with Trump wtf? This is a company issue not a political issue. IDIOT!!
Jim Sterrett 7 years ago
why are the rabid anti-trump people so brain-dead? It really makes so sense
Timothy Ready 7 years ago
You blame Trump for your vibrator running out of batteries. Dems would have rewarded THE KIDNAPPER for his chikd rape "orientation"...
Daryl Kiddey 7 years ago
No, this isn't a Trumpism, its the ideas of our corporate America that produced Trump and Clinton in full swing. THIS is unbridled Capitalism folks. Having an employee at their station working is ore valuable to the company then saving a child. Therefore the company was displeased, and terminated the employee. The company put their bottom line OVER POLICE ORDERS and THE LIFE OF A CHILD. And Going to Lowes isn't going to make a difference, because they'd probably do the same thing.
ジョシュア コールマン 7 years ago
It seems none of these people commenting realize that the rest of the world thinks the USA is sinking fast, most countries I've been to don't like what trump stands for. It's just 50% of the country that supports him probably only has an HS education which is really sad because America's education system is garbage compared to the rest of the world, even lower than Russia. But good job USA, ya know, for voting in the Anti-Christ and what not.
Michelle Palmertree 7 years ago
I commented that I was going to look to see how many fools brought politics into this and look at this.. Didn't even have to scroll. What ignorance.
Sacha Herman 7 years ago
Trump effect? lol Joanne was right, it's the liberal effect since it has no common sense as to why this guy got fired.
Daryn Bogart 7 years ago
No jackass....that would be the Obama effect. The Trump effect is him helping the kid.
Shawna Austin 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Damien..you are a fucktard libturd. Donald Trump would fully support this guy fir his heroic actions. Barack Obama is the pussy who would be defending the kidnapper instead. I have heard countless liberals say that it's nit the perpetrator's fault because they had a hard life. What total BS!!
Kjorn 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
you can easily see at the people who get more downvote are those who notice this as nothing to do with trump. it's sad to see that the more you are anti-trump the more don't have impartiality
PJ Thompson 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
So this company's policy has changed in the last 6 months? What a ridiculous statement and even more ridiculous that people would up vote you. We truly are a divided and crazy nation.
Todd Phillips 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Absolutely not, you f*****g idiot. This is a running problem from the Obozo POS years.
grongo bar 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
no,the politically corectness effect
Danny Root 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Every dumbfuck who posts s**t like this just to have a shot a putting Trump down is only looking for a way to make up for their own inadequacies.
piggy panda 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Katelyn Rice that was supposed to be sarcastic saying that trump was the start of our country crumbling then all this if anyone is an idiot it is you
Jennifer Toomey 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
You got hit by the stupid bus and ran over in the dumbass station and left on idiot island. Just play in traffic now like you were told when you were a kid
Joanne Jenkins 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Ah no, its called the liberal affect. Wanton disregard for anything that is the right thing to do. If a person does the right thing, the left hates them. Truth.
Andrew Cas 7 years ago
Yes he did a great thing and yes Home Depot was just covering its a*s but That's what you get when no one takes responsibility for there actions all these people who have been suing the a*s off each other for the past 15 years has caused this problem! If he'd have been shot or fell over himself cause he's a clutz it would be Home Depots fault, not his! Small business owners can relate to this I have to have/pay insurance in case someone falls over a milk crate whilst it's stacked outside in an ally awaiting collection!
John Trapp 7 years ago
Home depot is one of the worst companies to work for. They pay their employees virtually nothing and only hire part time so they do not have to pay benefits like health insurance. They take complete advantage of desperate people. This guy should consider his firing a blessing because he will probably make more in unemployment checks while he looks for a more fair company
Ray Lebowski 7 years ago
I don't think this kind of event is any more prevalent now than it was 5, 10, 20, 30, or 50 years ago. What has changed is that it's so much easier for stupidity to be shown up and for the arrogance and mindlessness to "go viral". We just hear about it more often.
Rizwan Khan 7 years ago
No man not only your country this damn whole world going bat s**t crazy...
Lidee Moril 7 years ago
Stephanie, thanks for this comment. All the Trump-loving cockroaches came out of their dark intrawebz corners thanks to this comment. A lot of new people to add to my ignore list :)
blugeagua 7 years ago
Really Joanne? So racism, misogyny, homophobia and hatred for anyone that's not white and Christian (as your Republican Party is known for) is about "doing the right thing"? Yeah........ what planet are you living on?
Thomas O'Keefe 7 years ago
@ blugeaqua: Republicans are not racists, misogynic, homophobic or filled with hatred. Indeed there are different points of view but your words are hateful to the extreme. Are there some that affiliate with conservatism? Of course. There some like this that affiliate with liberalism, as well. There is sufficient rabble with the political spectrum of any large group of people made up of ignorance and anger and frustration. Most mass killings, for example, are done by people of a liberal mindset. Should we label all liberals as dangerous nut jobs because of that statistical fact? I hope not. I'd like to think such things are an anomaly. Real change, however, comes from the even-headed of their respective group who calls for responsible, calm, less judgmental dialog. In other words, it starts within our own groups by people like you, for example. People willing to remain calm and open to all points of view equally and in a civilized fashion.
Donald Serbin 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Liberals at their best (which isnt much to look at all)
Ja Legge 7 years ago
How the hell can one get fired for saving someone s life? So it's ok to put someone life in danger instead of saving them??
Jaclyn 7 years ago
I'm guessing he left work to follow the kidnapper and didn't notify his supervisor. Taking off in the middle of your shift is usually a fire-able offense, but given the circumstances you'd think Home Depot would give this guy a break. Sad that his heroism was punished rather than rewarded.
Load More Replies... Lalita 7 years ago
And that's how corporations want us to be.. Unaware of others, uninterested, selfish poor souls. Divide and conquer. There's nothing worst for a corporation than a tight community where people cares and is involved into each other's life. The world is gonna be a very sad place in no time, mark my words
Lauren Lavigne 7 years ago
I don't get how he was fired tho!! He did the right thing and they fired him?! That's just cold
Theo Morgan 7 years ago
actually, it is in the contract you get when you get hired (I work at a grocery store and have the same rule), but I still completely disagree with it in a circumstance like this. I can understand if someone had robbed their establishment and them not wanting an employee to chance the thief. But a child's life was in danger and it's amazing they had the courage to go after them.
Pamela Walters 7 years ago
Home depot should get sued for this outrage . They should naming him employed of the month for being a hero and saving that child's life
Tony Smith 7 years ago
Jaclyn: Read the termination letter. It states "You were fired but not for conduct connected with work". Therefore he WASN'T fired for taking off without notifying his supervisor, as that WOULD be "conduct connected with work".
Chris Sprucefield 7 years ago
Sir, the woman is on fire, do i have your permission to try to save her life? No. Go on stacking the shelves...
Kimberly McCoy 7 years ago
They likely have a policy to not put themself in harms way with customers because if he would gotten hurt Home Depot would be resonable because he was the clock
Ron Peterson 7 years ago
You are right. Regardless of whether he gave his employer notice that he was leaving, he should never have been fired. This hero, probably didn't have time to notify his employer. In a situation like this, seconds count! Had he taken the time to notify Home Dept, he may have lost sight of the kidnapper, ad we would be talking a bout a child's death.. It seems Home Depot is really trying to sabotage its reputation. I am glad they are being hugely successful!
Claudia Machado 7 years ago
Yes, surely, but the notice doesn't say that he was fired because he failed to notify his supervisor. It says he was fired for helping saving the child.
Heather Parsons 7 years ago
Would be a very different story if they had a bad ending to this story, and had to explain why the child was not rescued. How does that stack up against telling your supervisor, who probably was nowhere in sight!
Vance Lorn 7 years ago
HD has a policy that says to not interfere with any crimes. Only designed Loss Prevention people can even approach a suspected shoplifter. Why are policies like this? The same people who say sue HD for this are the ones who would say sue HD if this guy got his a*s kicked whiie on the clock trying to do the right thing. Yes he did a great thing, but his didn't follow protocol. As such there is a price to pay.
Eryn Stilp 7 years ago
It's nothing new. This sort of mindset is common at jobs. At my old drive thru job, I had a drunk man hurl himself out of his car window and climb through to try and hit me. I shut and locked the window on him and was written up for "ignoring a customers' needs." Another time I was written up for reporting a clearly drunk driver- with a car full of unbuckled toddlers- to the police after he almost drove into the side of the restaurant. "That is not your business." Another time the phone was snatched from my hand when I tried dialing the cops after a very abusive customer cornered me and threatened to beat me up. I was told to "just let people do whatever they want to you. You are not allowed to call for help, no matter what a customer is doing." I was too happy when I quit. NEVER EAT OR WORK AT STEAK N SHAKE, PEOPLE.
Helping Panda 7 years ago
Not sure about the reasoning to fire him but they recently changed their mind and offered to rehire him.
Ray Lebowski 7 years ago
Yeah, that makes everything go back to the status quo ante. Someone clearly was jsut following the letter of the Employee Handbook while totally ignoring the whole supposed concept of the company--to help people get things done. Some HR exec type(s) clearly didn't think this through. They won't be the ones punished, if any; based on my long-ago corporate experience, that "honor" will go to someone three levels down who doesn't have friends in the C-Suite.
Michael Babcock 7 years ago
He put himself at risk on Home Depot property as an agent of Home Depot. I can see their PoV but since everything turned out well I would've left it at "please be careful."
Shauday Smith 7 years ago
I wish i could respond to Melissa's response to your comment. But it's a huge liability for the employer if the employee decides to be a hero and fails while on the clock. The company is responsible for all their employees actions and consequences. If Dillon had hurt someone or damaged property while trying to save the child, the company would be liable for any and all expenses regardless of Dillon's intentions. Also, if Dillon himself had gotten hurt, the company again, would be liable for his medical and/or legal expenses because he was on the clock at the time of injury. Most companies encourage their workers to not try to be heroes if they can avoid it because of this. Don't get between two brawling customers if you're not security, don't try to stop the store from being robbed... These protect the employee from immediate harm and the company from legal vulnerabilities. Does this excuse Home Depot from firing their employee? NOPE. At worst, "please be careful" like Michael said.
Melissa Secrest 7 years ago
Sort of stunned by this response. You can "see their pov"?? This guy literally saved a child from likely being raped and killed and you see their pov? I can't.
B. John Masters 7 years ago
I think Shauday is pointing out why companies have policies like this. However, there is always the exception to the rule, and a smart company would have just let this slide. Sometimes you can win the battle and lose the war, and Home Depot lost the war on this one.
Doug Roth 7 years ago
Well said Shauday. There are plenty of reasons why there is a code of conduct in any workplace. This was a dangerous situation. I just don't understand the mentality of corporations when things like this happen though. First - dude is a hero without a doubt Second - by all accounts, he did the RIGHT thing Third - policies are all about setting and enforcing precedents... as Home Depot, you have to ask yourself "what are the odds another employee will try to assist police in a kidnapping case, fail, get injured, and then sue us because we didn't reprimand this employee in this case"... Well, let's be honest... nearly 0%. Do the right thing HD!
Linda Huber 7 years ago
He followed the police's orders. The police wanted him to follow the kidnapper so the kidnapper would not disappear. I repeat: he did what the police told him to do. So Home Depot is telling its employees to disobey the police? Got it.
Angel McCue 7 years ago
It's worth it. He could have gotten hurt getting shopping carts too, or going to McDonald's on his break. Or going to bank to get change. I get telling your supervisor where you're going but come on, this was pretty time sensitive.
Ron Peterson 7 years ago
You can see their point of view. But, since everything turned out alright... Are you serious? You would only condone the saving of an innocent child's life if it didn't end up costing some huge corporation any money. What an extremely sad, moronic viewpoint. I hope NO child has ever needed your assistance! From your comment, you would simply let the child die, so you could make your boss happy... I cannot express the amount of disgust I feel for you and anyone that can even have the same thought processes you have! Im-Trying-...0341e9.jpg
Shane Haack 7 years ago
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Shauday Smith, Sol what you are saying is that company policy should trump being a good person?
John L 7 years ago
Boy, Home Depot really stepped on its 'Johnson' this time. Had they made him into a hero, the PR value would have been priceless. This is just one more reason why I go to Lowes first, when I need something. They also love Charlie, and the employees say "Where's Charlie" when I don't bring him with me. I'm a huge Lowes Person. :D
Flora Polvado 7 years ago
Who is Charlie? I agree with you, you gotta wonder if the people at places like Home Depot or United have any common sense at all.
Load More Replies... John L 7 years ago
See my avatar? That's Charlie, my shih-tzu. He's been with me for quite a few years, and I take him to Lowes whenever I don't have to make other stops where Charlie is not allowed. There are so many people at Lowes who know Charlies name, its unbelievable. I think they know charlie, who's a real con artist, better than me. :D
Judy Kinney 7 years ago
John, I work for Lowes here in FL and what a great company! Thank you for your loyalty.
John L 7 years ago
Judy, I have learned that Lowes is primarily a home improvement business, and Home Depot is more contractor oriented. Lowes purposefully welcomes people's dogs, and even has several employees with special needs and their special dogs. They're family oriented and really go out of their way to welcome wives and children, two and four legged. I always go there first when I need something. Charlie is my Lowes unofficial mascot, so many employees welcome him all the time. This kind of attention to customer service will guarantee their continued success.
Jennifer Baker 7 years ago
Love Lowes.I live in an old mobile home that needs lots of work and don't have a ton of money. In the last year alone they have: exchanged a water heater that froze without a receipt, talked me thru a dishwasher installation over the phone, delivered and installed a stove for free even though it was a couple bucks under the limit for that, and gave me $40 bucks off a toilet in a price match on an ad that didn't technically meet their requirements (no brand name in the ad). Called HD once to ask a question about something they advertised and got total attitude. Will be buying floor tiles in a couple weeks, not even going to bother looking anywhere else.
Taylor Ness 7 years ago
I bring my shih tzu with me everywhere too!! Pobby!! He is also well known in certain stores :D Shih tzu's are amazing creatures!!!
John L 7 years ago
Taylor, when I take Charlie, I always place him in the baby seat of cart, and tell everyone that he is in his 'lemo'. He gets to sit up much higher, and the ladies and kids just love giving him all the attention he can handle. All I have to say is "Wanna Go Bye-Bye?" His ears perk up. Then I add, "Go To Lowes?" and he is at the door, dying to get out and head over there, so he can con more unsuspecting humans. Going to Lowes, and saying hello to the UPS man, when he comes by, are his two favorite pastimes.
Taylor Ness 7 years ago
John! That is too cute!! I tried that with Pobby once. He jumped out to walk next to me. He is a rather big tzu, 22lbs+. He's not fat... He was just born twice as large as the others! He is my service dog. He stays with me during seizures and helps me pick things up from the floor, especially things I tend to drop like my keys, a shirt while changing, hair clips etc. He's a good boy. I think he just wants to be of help and being in the cart restricts him from doing anything (he gets treats for all acts of service, hehe). I have another tzu Nikola, whom i refer to as "boopy", and he is more inclined to be a passenger :} They are my children, as I cannot have any people children lol.
Ross Willson 7 years ago
Home Depot NEVER has anything in Stock to begin with and after reading this Lowes has my $$$
Madison Brown 7 years ago
Lowes didn't apply my screen door right, eventually, mold started growing and we had to redo our basement 6 times on top of that got my mom really sick. So now my parents live in different houses :l
Related on Bored Panda
468
467