5 firefighters accused of forging ALS certification

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Five Fla. firefighters and a former member of the department are accused of using fake medical certification cards.

Ft. Lauderdale officials say they found out about the forged documents during an Aug. 2011 audit by the Florida Department of Health, according to the Sun-Sentinel.

The accused allegedly had bogus documents for Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support certification, which is verified by the American Heart Association.

That certification is required by the city and gives paramedics a 10 to 15 percent pay bump.

Steve Loleski's certification card seemed suspicious to officials, who said it looked "whited out" and had irregular font, incorrect data and a missing security background. Loleski, 35, is a 12-year veteran of the Ft. Lauderdale Fire Department.

Because of Loleski's card, Fire Chief Jeffery Justinak had all certification cards for those who did not have on-duty training reviewed.

The Sun-Sentinel reports that Freddie Batista, 36, a 14-year veteran, was listed as the instructor on the bogus cards, even though he is not certified to teach the life support course.

The firefighters are due in court and facing charges of forgery and official misconduct.