Decisions by OATH Administrative Law Judges
New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings
Firefighter admitted using cocaine
Penalty recommended: termination and forfeiture of the vesting his pension recommended
A firefighter who tested positive for cocaine admitted to using the drug but argued that he should be permitted to vest his pension and retire when eligible to do so.
Administrative Law Judge Alessandra F. Zorgniotti noted that pursuant to the Department’s “zero tolerance policy,” termination of employment is the usual penalty for a first time positive test, in the absence of exacerbating or extenuating circumstances.
Judge Zorgniotti found that respondent failed to present sufficient evidence in mitigation to justify a lesser penalty and recommended termination of the individual’s employment, without an allowance that his pension be permitted to vest fully.
The decision is posted on the Internet at:
Fire Dep’t v. Arcello (in PDF), OATH Index No. 109/13