Philly BC Facing Discipline Over YouTube Video

Posted by: Curt Varone July 12, 2011 1 Comment

A Philadelphia battalion chief is in disciplinary trouble over a YouTube video he made in 2009 that shows him singing the National Anthem while eating cookies and joking with fellow firefighters. BC John Grillone faces charges of “conduct unbecoming” by Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers. The firefighter who took the video, Charles Tizol, received a four week suspension without pay.

Chief Grillone is a 38 year veteran, and claims he was merely trying to boost morale. His disciplinary hearing began last week.

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.
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