2 firefighters suspended for fighting at fire scene

The city has a policy of zero tolerance for such acts in the workplace by or among its employees

New Haven Register

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Multiple sources inside the Fire Department have confirmed that two firefighters have been suspended for engaging in a physical altercation while responding to a house fire last Wednesday on Winchester Avenue.

The nature of the altercation is unclear, although sources said it was "more of a shoving match" than an "actual fight."

“I can confirm that Lt. Terrance Roundtree and firefighter Gennaro D’Amato were recently disciplined by the New Haven Fire Department,” Laurence Grotheer, spokesman for Mayor Toni Harp, wrote in an email.

An internal City Hall document received Thursday confirmed Chief Allyn Wright ordered a 1-day suspension for Roundtree and a 6-day suspension for D’Amato. The document states that Rountree violated department rules and regulations by engaging "in conduct that is prejudicial to the good name and reputation of the department," engaging "in conduct unbecoming of a firefighter or officer" and "fighting or assault."

D’Amato’s document states that he violated rules and regulations by being “insubordinate to a superior officer, neglecting and refusing to obey the authorized orders of a superior officer, engaging in conduct that is prejudicial to the good name and reputation of the department, engaging in conduct unbecoming of a firefighter or officer, fighting and assault and using obscene, immoral or disrespectful language.”

Records show that Wright disciplined Rountree and D’Amato on Tuesday.

According to city ordinances, the fire chief does not need final approval from the Board of Fire Commissioners in order to issue a suspension with a duration of 15 days or less.

Stephen Librandi, city manager of human resources, said Wednesday no one this week had reported any incidents of altercations between Fire Department employees.

The city's workforce violence policy states that “the director of human resources and/or the director of labor relations will investigate and report all threats or acts of violence and take appropriate action to protect employees and city property and premises.”

The city has a “policy of zero tolerance for acts in the workplace by or among its employees,” according to the employee handbook.

Wright has not yet returned messages requesting comment. The events that led to the altercation are still unclear.

When asked Wednesday, city officials said they were not aware of any disciplinary action.

McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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