Lawsuit Filed Against Hammonton by Volunteer Firefighters

HAMMONTON — A lawsuit has been filed against the Town of Hammonton on behalf of the Independent Volunteer Fire Company Station 2 and several of its members who have been accused of misconduct, a spokesman said Wednesday.

"This action has been initiated for the wellbeing of the fire company, its dedicated volunteer members, and the taxpayers of our community," said an official statement from company Secretary Joseph Lizza.

Last September Town Council suspended or removed from duty six volunteer firefighters over allegations of misconduct towards other firefighters.
 They were accused of sexual harassment, sending threatening text messages and aggressive driving that forced others off the road.

In October City Solicitor Brian Howell announced that two of the accused were cleared of wrongdoing
.

Allegations are still pending against John A. Brigandi; junior firefighter Joe Caruso, and his father, also named Joe Caruso; and Bill Tomasello.

In November Town Council voted to bring charges against two of the four remaining suspended volunteer firefighters, but did not name them or provide information on the charges.

The unspecified charges will be handled by a hearing officer, who will decide the firefighters' fates in the company, officials said then.

Lizza said Wednesday the company has received no updates on the status of the firefighters in the interim.

Howell, along with Town Business Administrator Jerry Barberio, has investigated allegations against the firefighters. He said in November that he found evidence of extreme competitiveness between the town's two volunteer companies that have resulted in risk to public safety.

Mayor Steve DiDonato said in November both companies will receive training to change the culture to prevent harassment of any kind in the future. Town officials said they had to take action once complaints were brought to them or face the possibility of litigation from alleged victims.

Lizza directed all questions to the attorney for the plaintiffs, Louis M. Barbone at Jacobs & Barbone in Atlantic City.

This story is developing. Check back for updates.

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/breaking/lawsuit-filed-on-behalf-of-accused-hammonton-firefighters/article_8de35d26-bfb9-11e5-904d-93807eaec65e.html