We’re Not Animal House

A secret recording of a meeting at the quarters of Engine 40 and Ladder 35 in New York City has been released, and the lawyer for an African American firefighter suing the city over a hazing incident says it “shocks the conscience”.

The meeting was reportedly between FDNY brass and firefighters assigned to the Manhattan firehouse with the nickname, The Cavemen. The expletive filled meeting took place on December 9, 2015 following an investigation into the allegations of rookie firefighter, Gordon Springs, that resulted in several members being discipline and Springs suing for race discrimination and sexual assault.

More on the story.

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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