An arbitrator ruled that a Kansas City firefighter who was behind the wheel in a deadly apparatus crash can return to work and receive back pay.
Dominic Biscari, who was driving a pumper that crashed into a vehicle and building in 2021, killing three people, will be allowed to drive emergency vehicles, according to the ruling.
According to the Kansas City Star, arbitrator Leland Shurin will be allowed to work at a higher rank, but must serve a three-day, unpaid suspension in order to come back to work.
In 2023, Biscari pleaded guilty to three counts of involuntary manslaughter. He received three years probation and was ordered to do 40 hours of community service.
The department is required to clear his personnel record, except noting that Biscari "was involved in a MVA (motor vehicle accident) while on duty, which, with his negligence and along with the negligence of others, resulted in fatalities.”
“The City and Fire Department are directed to make Mr. Biscari whole in every regard, including full back pay and any and all benefits pursuant to the CBA (Collective Bargaining Agreement) due as a result of this Award and his employment,” wrote Shurin, in her ruling.
Earlier this year, arbitration ordered the city pay the cost of Biscari's attorney fees, originally paid by the firefighter's union. Now, Biscari and the union will pay the attorneys while the city will cover any fees.
City officials did not comment to the newspaper on the ruling.
