Baltimore Fire Department Employee Failed to Report Arrests, Received Paid Leave While Incarcerated

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) for Baltimore City has published a report detailing serious misconduct by an employee of the Baltimore City Fire Department (BCFD). The findings indicate that the employee failed to report multiple arrests and received paid leave during a period of incarceration.

According to the OIG report, the employee had a prior arrest in 2018 for driving under the influence and another arrest in 2019 for driving with a suspended license. These incidents were not disclosed to the department as required.

During a disciplinary hearing, a Deputy Chief questioned the employee about the obligation to report arrests. The employee claimed ignorance of the rule, stating they were not driving on duty or holding a City driver permit. Although a hearing officer suggested dismissal of the charges, a reviewing officer recommended a three-day suspension without pay.

Records indicate that the employee was sentenced in February 2020 and began confinement in March of the same year. They spent 24 days in prison and continued their sentence under house arrest until late May 2020.

In February 2020, prior to their incarceration, the employee visited the Public Safety Infirmary, which assesses on-duty medical issues and eligibility for leave. Following this visit, the employee was placed on paid leave from March to June 2020, receiving approximately $13,733.89 in regular and sick pay during this time. The OIG has referred the matter of potential time theft to law enforcement.

In a surprising turn, the same employee was promoted to a supervisory position in 2021. A Department of Human Resources (DHR) official noted that the employee's background check revealed previous arrests, but the employee did not respond to inquiries regarding these findings.

Most recently, the employee was arrested in 2024 for DUI, serving eight days in jail, which also went unreported to the BCFD.

In light of these revelations, BCFD Fire Chief James Wallace stated that an internal investigation is underway, and the department will consult with DHR regarding the employee's promotion.

Reported by HarborBeat based on WBFF (source).