By Jonathan Schuppe
The Star-Ledger
NEWARK, N.J. — An emergency medical technician has filed a harassment complaint against Newark Fire Director David Giordano, accusing Giordano of grabbing and cursing at him as he tried to help victims of a car crash Nov. 4.
Michael Palmieri, a University Hospital EMT, filed the misdemeanor charge after he and Giordano failed to settle the matter through the Newark Inspector General’s Office. A police lieutenant who investigates cases for the office signed the municipal court complaint last week.
It claims Giordano showed up at the scene of the 3 a.m. wreck and swore at Palmieri as he told him to back away from “a fire scene.” He then grabbed Palmieri by the jacket and shook him, according to the complaint.
Giordano’s lawyer, Patrick P. Toscano Jr., said in a written statement that it was Palmieri who “accosted, threatened and physically attacked” Giordano. The director plans to file “criminal counter-complaints” as well as a defamation lawsuit against Palmieri, Toscano said.
“On the night in question, David was the victim,” Toscano said.
Palmieri declined to comment. His lawyer, James Mets, said he will try to upgrade the charges to aggravated assault.
City spokeswoman Desiree Peterkin-Bell declined to comment.
The accident, which left five people trapped in a car at the corner of St. Charles Place and Rome Street in the city’s Ironbound section, drew both EMS and fire personnel. According to Palmieri’s union, Teamsters Local 97, Giordano arrived as Palmieri was approaching the car.
Union officials say Giordano accosted Palmieri, who broke free to help the victims from the car, and Giordano was finally escorted from the scene by Police Chief Anthony Campos.
The five victims were hospitalized and expected to recover, officials said.
Giordano said that the underlying problem is vague city policy on which agency - the Fire Department or hospital EMS - has authority at a scene that requires extrication of people from a wrecked car.
Giordano’s allegations against Palmieri surfaced this week. Toscano said he decided to file countercharges after receiving Palmieri’s complaint.
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