FDNY Lieutenant Charged With Assaulting EMT on EMS Run

Posted by: Curt Varone February 19, 2024 0

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.”

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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