Karen Torrie of the Upper Mountain Volunteer Fire Department in Lewiston, NY submitted what ended up being the October story of the month on the web site of Frito Lay’s True North brand. She received cash, gift certificate s and bags of snacks after submitting an article telling of the pride her children have of their mother and father, both firefighters. Her son and daughter look to become fourth-generation firefighters. Congratulations, Karen!
Boise firefighter Lance Sellars has climbed has hit the roof as he joins a Boise “Cop On Top Of A Doughnut Shop” and a local DJ in raising awareness and funds for special Olympics this weekend. First one to raise $5,000 before Sunday comes down. Way to go, Lance!
A former 39-year veteran Boston firefighter and another Boston firefighter, who claimed he was totally disabled but competed in bodybuilding competitions are facing federal mail-fraud charges for allegedly attempting to collect on accidental-disability pensions. A report out yesterday details the indictment for James Famolare, 65, who was working as acting deputy chief of personnel, fraudulently claimed to be totally and permanently disabled by his box-moving injury.
An indictment against a second Boston firefighter, Albert Arroyo, 47, of Boston, charge he also falsely claimed he suffered a permanent disability after a fall while walking in a fire station in Jamaica Plain. You may have heard an earlier disclosure that Arroyo had been training for bodybuilding competitions after his claim of injury.
Both firefighters face up to 20 years in jail and $25,000 for each count of mail fraud (Famolare is charged with six). A former civilian clerk for the Boston Fire Department, Erika Boylan, 31, has also been charged with perjury and obstruction of justice.
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