Surveillance Video Fuels Criminal Charges Against Two Cleveland Firefighters

A surveillance video has been released showing the crash of a Cleveland ladder truck in a parking lot last June. Two firefighters, the driver and the officer, have been charged criminally with submitting false reports about how the accident occurred.

Fire Captain Ron Vargo and Firefighter Richard Nickerson blamed the crash on a vehicle that cut them off, causing them to strike a light pole. The crash caused over $20,000 to the ladder truck and destroyed the pole.

The video surveillance shows there was no car in the area, just a large tractor trailer that was turning around.

Both firefighters have entered pleas of not guilty and have asked for a speedy trial.
19 Action News|Cleveland, OH|News, Weather, Sports

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
x

Check Also

Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Setting Firehouse On Fire

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office has brought arson charges against a firefighter for setting a hurricane-damaged firehouse on fire. Jamison Smith, 18, is charged with simple arson for the fire that destroyed the Iowa Volunteer Fire Department’s former main station.

Albany Prevails at Second Circuit in Discrimination Suit

An Albany fire captain who claims he wrongfully was denied a promotion to battalion chief following an off-duty incident, has lost his appeal to the US Second Circuit Court of Appeals. Captain Jeremy Clawson claims the City of Albany rescinded a civil service promotion he earned in 2019 on account of a disability and his race.