CLEVELAND, Ohio — Two Cleveland firefighters face criminal charges after covering up a crash that involved a fire truck.
Cleveland.com reported that Capt. Ronald Vargo, 50, and firefighter Richard Nickerson, 42, crashed the fire truck into a light pole June 21. The mistake caused more than $20,000 in damage, according to the report.
The firefighters told investigators that the collision occurred after a white car swerved in front of the fire truck, according to the report. Security camera footage revealed otherwise.
“It is alleged that during the investigation of the accident both men lied to the investigating officer,” spokeswoman Maureen Harper said.
Vargo and Nickerson were charged with falsification, a misdemeanor, and it carries a sentence of a maximum of 180 days in jail, according to the report.
Vargo is a 23-year veteran of the department and Nickerson is in his 17th year, fire officials said.