Waterbury Firefighter Under Scrutiny for Sick Leave Abuse

Posted by: Curt Varone June 4, 2012 0

A Waterbury, Connecticut firefighter is under investigation for sick leave abuse after it was discovered he used a combination of vacation time, sick time and substitutions to attend nursing school in Puerto Rico. It is alleged that Edgardo Gonzalez went from January 10 to May 17 without working, but received his full pay and benefits.

Waterbury Mayor Neil O’Leary pointed out “Every day, I hear people who are saying look, we’re at the very end of our rope.  We need relief.  And for a city employee to be in Puerto Rico going to school to better himself on the city’s dime is clearly unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Here is news coverage of the story. Interesting that the reporter chose to add spin to the story by calling Puerto Rico “paradise”.

View more videos at: http://nbcconnecticut.com.

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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