Sec. 14. (a) The division director may, with the approval of the director, discharge, demote, or temporarily suspend an employee of the division, for cause, after preferring charges in writing.
(b) An employee who is discharged or demoted is entitled to a public hearing before the department if the employee demands a hearing within ten (10) days after receiving notice of the charges. The employee may be represented by counsel.
(c) The findings of the department are final, except that the employee may appeal to the appropriate court.
(d) A probationary employee may be discharged without charges being made and is not entitled to a hearing.
(e) A conservation officer may not be discharged because of political affiliation.