By David Seifman
The New York Post
NEW YORK — The Fire Department’s zero-tolerance policy is intact when it comes to punishing hard drug use.
Fire Commissioner Sal Cassano has fired veteran firefighter Patrick Zoda, who admitted using cocaine, despite a judge’s recommendation that he be allowed to leave the job on his own in order to preserve a $33,000-a-year pension.
Zoda, 43, who responded to the World Trade Center on 9/11 and was featured in a film about the terrorist attack, was busted buying cocaine on Oct. 23, 2008.
Cassano’s decision is consistent with the FDNY’s hardline policy, which was instituted in 2004.
At a disciplinary proceeding brought by the Fire Department, Administrative Law Judge Faye Lewis suggested that Zoda, a firefighter since 1993, be allowed to apply for his pension before being forced out.
Copyright 2010 N.Y.P. Holdings, Inc.
All Rights Reserved