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Cleveland firefighters seek jury trial in fire truck crash

The two firefighters are accused of lying about how the crash occurred; video footage contradicts their story

CLEVELAND — Two firefighters are trying to clear their names after being charged for covering up a fire truck crash.

Fox19 reported that Capt. Ronald Vargo, 50, and firefighter Richard Nickerson, 42, crashed a fire truck into a light pole June 21. The mistake caused more than $20,000 in damage.

The firefighters told investigators that the collision occurred after a white car swerved in front of the fire truck. Security camera footage revealed otherwise.

Vargo and Nickerson were charged with falsification, a misdemeanor, and it carries a sentence of a maximum of 180 days in jail.

They’ve plead not guilty and have had months of pretrial hearings. Now, they’re asking for a jury trial set for March. Officials said a jury may decide if the camera or the firefighters lied, according to the report.