Two ex-fire chiefs in New York City arrested in corruption scandal

NEW YORK (AP) — Two former New York City Fire Department chiefs were in custody Monday on charges that they solicited tens of thousands of dollars in bribes before ensuring the department’s fire prevention bureau provided preferential treatment to some individuals and companies.

Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco were arrested on bribery, corruption and false statements charges alleging that they solicited and accepted the bribe payments from at least 2021 through 2023, authorities said.

An indictment against the men in Manhattan federal court said they were former chiefs for the New York City Fire Department Bureau of Fire Prevention. The bureau is responsible for regulating the installation of fire safety and suppression systems throughout New York City and ensuring fire safety regulations are obeyed.

In an email, attorney Joseph Caldarera called the charges against Saccavino “both surprising and distressing.”

“I want to assure the public that we will vigorously contest these allegations. He deserves the presumption of innocence until proven guilty, just like any citizen,” Caldarera said. “Chief Saccavino’s legacy as a firefighter and a leader should not be overshadowed by these claims.”

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