Hammonton Volunteer Firefighters Suspended

MICHELLE BRUNETTI POST
HAMMONTON — Town Council came back from a closed session after 10 p.m. Monday night to accept the resignation, remove or suspend six   volunteer firefighters.

There was no discussion of cause, but Mayor Steve DiDonato said he will address the remaining firefighters at a special meeting of the Fire Department Wednesday night at Fire House No. 1.

In an interview early Tuesday DiDonato said the allegations do not involve monetary irregularities or problems with firefighter or equipment certification. Both issues have plagued other volunteer fire departments in the region.

But he said he cannot provide more information at this time.

Council accepted the resignation of John A. Brigandi of Marlin Avenue as a volunteer firefighter, and removed Joe Caruso, who was on probation as a Junior Firefighter, said Mayor Steve DiDonato.

The vote was 5 in favor with Ed Wuillermin and Mickey Pullia abstaining  because of their own volunteer work with the fire department.

Suspended as firefighters and social members pending an investigation and hearings were Caruso's son, also named Joe Caruso; John Warren and his son John Michael Warren, and Bill Tomasello.

DiDonato said there are two separate incidents causing the suspensions. One involves just the younger Caruso, the other involves the rest of the suspended, removed or resigned members.

The meeting will be 7:30 p.m. Wednesday evening at Fire House No. 1, at  109 Front Street in Hammonton.

"I would request that every volunteer be present," DiDonato said.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

Contact Michelle Brunetti Post at 609-272-7219

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/hammonton-volunteer-firefighters-suspended-pending-investigation/article_03ad7ae4-66a2-11e5-b069-63deeb1ef707.html 

Update
 http://gadfly01.blogspot.com/2015/09/firefighters-suspended-for-sexual.html