(a) All level one grievance hearings before the office shall be heard in accordance with practices and procedures as set forth in 6C-2-1 et seq. of this code.
(b) All hearings on appeals before the office shall be heard de novo and conducted pursuant to the provisions of the contested case procedure set forth in 29A-5-1 et seq. of this code.
(1) Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, the division head, or the Fire Commission, may be represented at hearings conducted by the office and evidence submitted by the division head may be considered in such hearings with or without such representation.