Fire Law Blog Fire Service and Public Safety Legal Issues Blog by Curt Varone
An FDNY lieutenant is facing assault charges for allegedly making physical contact with an EMT during an argument that occurred at an EMS incident. The altercation, which various media outlets have characterized as “strangling” or “choking” reportedly occurred during the early morning hours of Saturday, February 17, 2024 in Brooklyn.
The officer, Lieutenant Neal Francis of Engine Company 234, has been charged by the NYPD, and is facing a disciplinary investigation from FDNY. PIX11 News explained what occurred as the officer pinning the EMT against the ambulance. The EMT completed handling the response, and checked himself into the hospital.
The Uniformed Fire Officers Association issued a statement to the media stating that Lieutenant Francis:
- “has had an unblemished record during his career as a lieutenant.”
- “it is important to allow the investigation to proceed before drawing any conclusions.”
