Chief in trouble for singing National Anthem at Philly firehouse
Battalion Chief John Grillone, a 38-year veteran firefighter, was charged with "conduct unbecoming"
PHILADELPHIA — A Philadelphia battalion chief is in trouble for singing the National Anthem while on duty at a firehouse.
Chief John Grillone, a 38-year veteran firefighter, was charged with "conduct unbecoming" by the fire commissioner after a YouTube video from 2009 surfaced online, according to KYW.
According to Chief Grillone's attorney, the video shows him singing The Star Spangled Banner and eating cookies, while joking around with fellow firefighters.
Chief Grillone says he was trying to boost morale after three firefighters had recently died.
A disciplinary board will decide the punishment for Chief Grillone after a hearing.
Firefighter Charles Tizol, who shot the video, was suspended without pay for four weeks.
As a result of the incident, the department is now in the process of developing a policy on social media postings.
The commissioner told KYW he had no comment on the case.
