South Farmingdale Fire Chief Suspended For Letting Terminally Ill Firefighter Drive Truck

South Farmingdale Fire Chief James Martin has been suspended 30 days for letting a firefighter on reduced duty operate a fire vehicle during the Memorial Day Parade while on cancer medication.

Martin’s suspension began Monday.

The terminally ill member of the fire department had to reduce his involvement with the department recently while undergoing treatment.

South Farmingdale Fire Commissioner Tom Mastakouris told Patch that he suspended Martin “for failure to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the public and members of the department,” adding, “We felt that this was an offense that really should be held accountable.”

Mastakouris said it was ”a lack of judgement” on Martin’s part and he had to be held accountable. “He’s not a bad guy,” he told Patch. “He’s a great chief.”

Editor’s Note: This article was updated to remove the terminally ill member’s name at the family’s request. The article also now includes more information after speaking with South Farmingdale Fire Commissioner Tom Mastakouris as of 4:20 p.m. Friday.

Image via South Farmingdale Fire Department website.