Fireman protests fire - WFXG FOX54 Augusta - Your News One Hour Earlier

Nickolas Prokosa and Nick Lynn, now unemployed fireman, made a stance in front of the municipal building on Tuesday. Both risked their lives for nearly five years until 2011 when they were injured on-duty during unrelated rescues.

Now, they share a common frustration. After a year of medical leave, the City of Augusta terminated their employment.

"I've got nothing else to lose, they have taken everything else from me, my benefits, my career," said Prokosa.  

The former EMS responder was injured on the job in March 2011. His injuries have prevented him from working for over a year and now the city has terminated his position without providing answers.

"We've had no help from the fire department, no help from human resources, and no help from the city. Since we've been hurt, we are basically a piece of trash," said Prokosa.  

Likewise, Nick Lynn sustained injuries during a fire rescue in October 2011. He has been on medical leave trying to heal when he too received notice of employment termination.

"We know we have been wrongfully terminated and we want the guys upstairs [city officials] to know that," said Lynn.

According to Interim Human Resource Director Mark Blanchard, the men were given the legal amount of time off. The Americans with Disabilities Act allows employees up to a year of paid leave.

"Everything has been done that we can do and we are trying to balance a situation between the needs of the individual employee versus our obligation to the individual tax payer," said Blanchard.  

For Prokosa and Lynn, a year is not long enough for a complete recovery.

In response to the former firemen's claims of lack of support, the city regrets the way these two cases were handled.

"I think there probably could have been improved communication on both sides," said Blanchard.  

However, the men are encouraged to reapply for their old jobs if they are able get well. 

The city's message to all government employees, be aware of the rights and guidelines in the employer's contract.