Former Prosecutor to Investigate Cleveland Overtime Scandal

Posted by: Curt Varone January 7, 2012 1 Comment

The city of Cleveland has hired former Assistant U.S. Attorney Ronald Bakeman to head up the investigation into the Cleveland Fire Department’s overtime scandal. Bakeman’s appointment was announced earlier this week as the department struggles to address allegations that some personnel work only a few days per month, and overtime is out of control.

Incidentally, Cleveland is not alone in trying to address the problem. Buffalo, NY and Clark County, Nevada top a list of departments trying to correct abuses stemming from improper use of substitutions, sick leave fraud, and in some cases pension escalators tied to overtime. [Note the video does not show on the homepage – please click through to the story specific page to see the video.]

 

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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