New Jersey to keep spying on sick firefighters

A spokeswoman says the state of New Jersey will continue to use private investigators to spy on Atlantic City firefighters who are on medical leave or out sick, despite complaints from the union that it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars.

The spying was revealed when firefighters noticed a car parked at length outside their homes and became concerned, calling police, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. Officers ran the tags, revealing they belonged to an investigator.

John Varallo Jr., president of Local 198 of the International Association of Fire Fighters, says the union has no issue complying with sick checks, but called the private eye a ‘waste.’ 

The state of New Jersey has said it will continue to use private investigators to spy on Atlantic City firefighters to ensure they’re really using their sick days

The state assumed power over Atlantic City government under a takeover signed into law a year ago.

Lisa Ryan, a state spokeswoman, says the private investigator has so far cost the city about $17,000.

‘The city will continue to use outside investigators to protect the city from sick leave abuse and the negative impact this abuse has on the city’s finances,’ Ryan said in a statement.

The private investigator has cost about $17,000 of taxpayer money so far

The private investigator has cost about $17,000 of taxpayer money so far

The president of the local union says they have no issue complying with sick checks but says the PI is a ‘waste’

The mayor has said in a statement that he was unaware of the state’s decision to hire the investigators.

‘The city’s use of outside investigators is working,’ Ryan said. ‘For example, one employee was found to be living out of state while calling in sick.’

Varallo said he was not aware of any firefighters abusing sick days, and instead blamed the state for leaving the department too shorthanded. A judge has temporarily blocked an 11.3 percent pay cut.

‘We have no problem with complying with sick checks,’ Varallo said. 

‘These guys show up every day, prepared. The state got caught with their pants down. They want to put more pressure on us, trying every angle. Now it’s private investigators. They operate like this is corporate America.’



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