SOUTH FARMINGDALE, N.Y. — A volunteer fire chief received a 30-day suspension after allowing a firefighter on cancer medication to drive a fire truck in a parade.
Farmingdale Patch reported that Fire Chief James Martin’s, with the South Farmingdale (N.Y.) Fire Department, suspension began Monday.
The terminally ill firefighter had to reduce his involvement with the department recently while undergoing treatment.
South Farmingdale Fire Commissioner Tom Mastakouris said he suspended Chief Martin “for failure to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the public and members of the department,” according to the report.
Mastakouris said it was “a lack of judgment” on Martin’s part and he had to be held accountable. “He’s not a bad guy,” he said. “He’s a great chief.”