By Eden Laikin
Newsday
OCEANSIDE, N.J. — A ninth Oceanside firefighter with the department’s Salamander Company was suspended pending an administrative hearing, for alleged involvement in an alcohol-related incident at a block party in August.
The latest firefighter was suspended Tuesday by the Board of Fire Commissioners. The suspension comes after an internal investigation by the Oceanside Fire Department chief’s office. All nine of the firefighters, charged with violations of department rules and regulations, must have a disciplinary hearing within 30 days of their suspension, officials said.
Some residents along Oceanside Parkway who attended the block party reported that at least 12 firefighters returning from a parade and competition in Freeport barreled down their street in a hook and ladder truck during the Aug. 11 party.
When three male party guests confronted the firefighters, some of whom, residents said, were waving around a first-place trophy and holding beer bottles, a fight broke out.
One resident suffered a broken hand and is suing the department, the district and a firefighter. He has also filed a complaint with the Nassau County district attorney’s office.
Many of the residents and guests gave statements to Chief Daniel Sabatino, who conducted the internal probe, and have been asked to testify at the disciplinary hearings.
“The Oceanside Fire District continues to remain proud of the men and women who so generously give of their time and risk their lives for their neighbors,” said Anthony Iovino, attorney for the district. “We are committed to making sure that the highest standards are always maintained and that’s why we are taking these allegations very seriously.”
It is not clear when the hearings will begin. But Iovino said that a panel of three veteran firefighters will decide if the firefighters are guilty. Fire officials said the firefighters can appeal the panel’s decision to the Board of Fire Commissioners.
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