By JEFF LIPTON
, one of the firefighters said to be involved in the incident failed in his bid last week as a write-in candidate for a fire chief's post, sources said.
Salamander Hook, Ladder and Bucket Company were behind a campaign to elect the firefighter, Todd Grim, as third deputy chief of the fire department, even though he was not on the Dec. 6 ballot, sources said. He was defeated by Pat Madden, a firefighter since 1991 who was successful on his third try for a chief's post. As a result of the election, which is held for department members only, every one of the other chiefs moved up a spot — Dan Sabatino to head chief of the department, Timothy Biscay to first deputy chief and Robert Sutton to second deputy chief.
But it was the battle between Madden and write-in candidate Grim that drew most of the attention. One Oceanside resident who learned about the write-in bid but wished to remain anonymous expressed concern if Grim were to be elected.
"I feel that fire chiefs are supposed to lead by example," the resident said.
Oceanside Fire Commissioner Doug DiCeglio confirmed that Grim was defeated by Madden, but would not say if Grim was one of the firefighters involved in the block party incident in August, since the names of those involved have been withheld from the public by the fire district. The firefighters were relieved of their posts following the incident and a hearing was held for all nine firefighters before a hearing board, made up of five members of the department with at least 10 years of experience.
DiCeglio said that board has yet to report its findings, which could determine the length of suspension for the firefighters. Depending on the outcome, the firefighters could then appeal the punishment that is meted out.
"The hearing board has not officially given us the results yet," said DiCeglio.
DiCeglio said he was "very disappointed in some of the actions [of the firefighters]. I hope it gets better in the future."
The firefighters are charged with violating OFD policy on protocol and conduct after witnesses said that they arrived on Aug. 11 from a parade in a fire truck and a pickup truck, ripped down a tape barricade on Oceanside Parkway and drove the truck through a block party with the siren blaring and lights flashing. Several firefighters engaged in fistfights with three men from the party who confronted them. Witnesses said the firefighters were holding beer bottles, and many of them appeared to be drunk.
Following the incident, then First Assistant Chief Sabatino carried out an internal investigation, in part by interviewing residents and guests at the party, and fire department attorney Anthony Iovino reviewed Sabatino's findings, in which he recommended that the firefighters involved in the incident face disciplinary actions.
The nine firefighters are all from Salamander Company on Foxhurst Road.
Madden said he was "thrilled" to be elected chief after his third try. "I'm extremely happy and excited," Madden said.
He said he was not bothered by a write-in candidate challenging him for the post. "He's a great kid," Madden said of Grim. "They [Salamander] were doing whatever they could to try to get him elected. They thought they had a good candidate and they were trying to proceed with him.
"Right now, I'm more concerned with what's going on firematically," he said.
He said he's looking forward to working under Sabatino, describing him as a "great leader and very knowledgeable."
Grim could not be reached for comment.
Comments about this story? Jlipton@liherald.com or (516) 569-4000 ext. 287.
