CLEVELAND, OH (WOIO)

Talk about early retirement. These guys have bigger balls then a pawn shop.

The old say goes but not exactly like this “I don’t mind getting screwed a little but I want to be kissed too”!

These guys are just screwing and not giving any kisses.

19 Action News has learned Cleveland city leaders are pursuing a criminal investigation even as they push new policy changes in a scandal over firefighter pay.

 City Hall says police are investigating and changes are on the way.
19 Action News Reporter Ed Gallek was the first to expose some firefighters abusing your tax dollars. They were working just a handful of days a year and still getting paid!

The stories behind these firemen are leading to the changes. An audit revealed the scam. It showed firefighters were trading shifts but never working for anybody else and according to sources, the fill-ins were often paid in cash.
Andrew Kovacic was off November through March. Michael Milano worked only 14 days last year, and Timothy Debarr reported to work only half of the time…the same with Gary McNamara. Anthony Coneglio lives in California and is off for months at a time. And, Calvin Robinson only worked 12 days in 2.5 years.

These are just the tip of the iceburg.

Firefighters/firemen probably have one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet and they should be commended for putting their lives on the line to server and protect. It is a disgrace that a very few of them put a blemish on the department.

One guy worked 12 days in the last 2.5 years. He received full pay, health insurance, “paid vacation” and every other benefit that comes along with the job.

How are the buddies that put their ass on the line everyday supposed to feel when they are running into a burning building and they know Joe Fabeets has his toes facing the sun on some beach in the sunshine state and getting the same benefits they are?

Everyone “clips” a little on their jobs. One guy takes home a 2×4, another takes a piece of copper to fix a pipe, another guy leaves a little early and that is normal.

The “Blue Code” always tries to cover up for their own and I can’t blame them but only to a certain degree. This is outright thievery.

I am sure that there is going to be some action taken against these “early retirees” and I hope so for the benefit of their brothers and sister that show up everyday to protect the public. Without them we would be in bad shape.

Hats off to the good guys!!!!!