Bank Teller Fired for Not Handing over the Cash

With a staggering state unemployment rate of 9.2 percent, proving your worth--even going above and beyond--in today's job market is essential. However, not in the case of Key Bank's Queen Anne branch teller, Jim Nicholson, who was faced with a robber demanding the bank's money. With no weapon visible, Nicholson called the robber's bluff and with a single rule-breaking leap chased away and then tackled the would-be robber. Two days after Nicholson chose not to hand over the bank's cash, he was fired for violating the bank's security policies. And now we know where all the real-life heroes go--to the unemployment line.

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By Kim P. in News on August 5, 2009 11:00 AM

Comments [rss]

bigyaz

Sorry, Troy, gotta disagree. This cowboy could have gotten himself and innocent bystanders killed (had the guy been armed and/or crazy, which is usually the case) -- all for a bunch of cash that's not even his. Then the bank would *really* be in deep shit, lawsuits would be flying, and Seattlest commenters would be on their ass for not training the staff better.

Tough lesson, and I do have sympathy, but the guy knew the likely consequences when he decided to jump over the counter and play hero.

Troy Morris

We don't negotiate with terrorists.

Look, I've watched Point Break as much as the next dude, but come on. Fuck bank-robbers. Convenient store robbers are the real scary ones.

James

Would any bank do anything different? From everything I've heard, banks don't want employees to try and be heroes. Way too much liability involved.

Troy Morris

No. No other bank (or credit union, for that matter) would do anything differently. Except perhaps a warning. And in this day and age, and with this publicity, they'd be wise to play it a tad differently.

And after two days? It's either instant or brush under the rug with a hand slap.