Firefighter claims paid 125,000 to do nothing as FDNY won't give him work

Publish date: 2024-06-08

A New York City fireman has been paid $125,000 despite not being given any duties for more than two years.

Arnaldo Rodriguez claims he was told to stay at home by the FDNY, while they decided a role for him after he was promoted from an EMT in 2013.

But despite not turning in for work since then, he has still been receiving his salary plus benefits.

Firefighter Arnaldo Rodriguez, who has been paid $125,000 in his salary despite not carrying out any duties for over two years 

Firefighter Arnaldo Rodriguez, who has been paid $125,000 in his salary despite not carrying out any duties for over two years 

According to the New York Post, the father-of-two aged 40 joined the FDNY as an EMT 13 years ago and was promoted to firefighter as part of the department's settlement of a federal racial discrimination lawsuit.

As a Hispanic litigant in the case, his promotion was due to make him a firefighter with seniority.

RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

Share

But he claims that days after entering the fire academy, he was told to go to a hearing with the chief of personnel.

There he says he was asked for his cellphone number and told he didn't have to show up any more and he has yet to be assigned anywhere else.

He told the Post: 'It's crazy. I'm in limbo land.

 The FDNY have refused to comment on the case saying they will wait until the department's investigation is complete

 The FDNY have refused to comment on the case saying they will wait until the department's investigation is complete

'This has been killing me for more than two years. Right now, my life is on standby. I remain ready, willing to go back to full duty.'

Mr Rodriguez lawyer Peter Gleason says he suspects the FDNY is listing his client as a firefighter to show compliance with the court settle but has no intention of using him as one.

They also believe this decision is being based on the fact Mr Rodriguez spent years on light duties as an EMT after sustaining an off-duty injury at an ice rink in New Jersey.

The FDNY have refused to comment on the case saying they will wait until the department's investigation is complete.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7pa3IpbCmmZmhe6S7ja6iaKaVrMBwrdGtoJyklWKAdX6RcmhqZ3aev6ayyKCfrZ2iYrCtrcimqmaokZ6xbr7ApJydZWFngm58j2lkf3x%2BjnqordWeZLCnoqB7qcDMpQ%3D%3D