NorthJersey.com
ROCHELLE PARK, N.J. — A former volunteer firefighter is suing the township of Rochelle Park and its fire department for being removed from his position, allegedly in violation of his right to due process.
According to Paul Wanco’s complaint, which was filed in federal District Court in Newark late last month, the Rochelle Park Volunteer Fire Department stripped him of his position without going through the disciplinary process required by the township code — a violation of his due process and civil rights. The complaint also alleges that some of the department’s members defamed Wanco, saying he was convicted of a “crime of moral turpitude,” though that was not the case.
“My rights were violated, plain and simple,” Wanco said in an interview on Friday. Rochelle Park Township Attorney Joseph Rotolo said he could not comment on the suit because it had not yet been served on the township. The fire chief referred questions to the attorney.
Full story: Ex-Rochelle Park firefighter sues for reinstatement