Two now-retired chiefs from the New York City Fire Department were arrested early Monday morning following a yearlong corruption investigation, law enforcement sources told ABC News.
Retired Chief Brian Cordasco was arrested at home on Staten Island. Retired Chief Anthony Saccavino was arrested at home in Manhattan, the sources said.
Saccavino and Cordasco “repeatedly abused their positions of trust as high-ranking officials in the New York City Fire Department” by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for providing preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies, according to an indictment unsealed Monday in Manhattan federal court.
The two men were chiefs with the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, which regulates the installation of fire safety and suppression systems in commercial and residential buildings. For nearly two years, the indictment said, Saccavino and Cordasco misused this authority for their own financial gain.
Federal prosecutors said they “abused their power” to give priority to a vital city service — safety inspections — to those willing to pay.
The two allegedly accepted $190,000 in bribes in exchange for expediting inspections, according to the indictment, in what U.S. Attorney Damian Williams called a “VIP lane.”
A fire engine responds to an emergency call in New York City.
Simon van Hemert/Adobe Stock
“Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated,” Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, who took over the post after the chiefs had already retired, said in a statement. “The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority.”
The FBI had searched their homes and offices earlier this year. The FDNY placed the chiefs on modified duty at the time. The New York City Department of Investigation searched FDNY headquarters as well.
There’s no evidence the scheme compromised the safety of any building, but it “eroded the public’s trust” and “tarnished” the FDNY, said FBI Assistant Director James Dennehy.
The alleged scheme appears to have been discovered as an offshoot of the investigation into whether Mayor Eric Adams’ campaign took illegal money from Turkey in exchange for expediting the inspection of the new Turkish consulate.
A spokesperson for Adams said there is “no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall.”
“City Hall became aware of this operation when we were notified by FDNY this morning,” the spokesperson said. “The FDNY continues to cooperate with DOI, and there is no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall.”
Adams, who is facing multiple corruption investigations, including one involving expedited building inspections, said the alleged corruption against the retired chiefs began under a different mayor.
“It started under the previous administration,” Adams said. “When the fire commissioner Laura Kavanaugh became aware of it she reported it.”
Cordasco publicly complained about a so-called “City Hall List” of building projects that should be prioritized by FDNY inspectors, according to the indictment.
The current fire commissioner, Robert Tucker, pledged the department’s cooperation.
“Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated. The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority,” Tucker said.
Two retired FDNY chiefs have recently made headlines after being arrested for alleged corruption. The two former chiefs, who have not been named publicly, are facing charges related to their time in leadership positions within the New York City Fire Department.
According to sources, the charges stem from an investigation into possible misconduct and misuse of department resources. It is alleged that the retired chiefs engaged in corrupt practices during their tenure, including accepting bribes and kickbacks in exchange for favorable treatment and contracts.
The arrests have sent shockwaves through the FDNY community, as both chiefs were once respected and trusted members of the department. The allegations of corruption have raised serious concerns about the integrity of the FDNY and have prompted calls for a thorough investigation into the department’s practices and procedures.
In response to the arrests, FDNY officials have issued a statement condemning the alleged misconduct and emphasizing their commitment to upholding the highest standards of integrity and professionalism. The department has pledged to fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities in their investigation and to take appropriate action to address any wrongdoing.
The arrests of the two retired chiefs serve as a reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in public service. It is crucial that those in positions of authority are held to the highest ethical standards and are held accountable for their actions. The FDNY, like all government agencies, must strive to maintain the trust and confidence of the public by ensuring that its members conduct themselves with honesty and integrity at all times.
As the legal proceedings against the retired chiefs unfold, it is important for the FDNY and its leadership to take this opportunity to review and strengthen their internal controls and oversight mechanisms. By learning from this unfortunate incident and implementing measures to prevent future corruption, the department can work towards rebuilding trust and maintaining its reputation as a respected and reliable public service agency.
In conclusion, the arrests of the two retired FDNY chiefs for alleged corruption are a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in public service. It is imperative that all government agencies, including the FDNY, remain committed to upholding the highest ethical standards and take swift and decisive action against any wrongdoing. Only by holding individuals accountable for their actions can we ensure that our public institutions continue to serve the best interests of the community.
