CT Firefighter, Son Resign after Exam Cheating Scandal

A Connecticut fire department's entry-level firefighter exams have been ruled invalid following an independent investigation that found a member might have given answers to his son.

Concerns over possible cheating on Norwalk's recent firefighter exam were raised by the company that administers the test, The Hour reports. An outside law firm was brought in to conduct a four-week investigation that targeted two Norwalk Fire Department members who might have given answers to their sons.

“The (July 20) report concluded that … two members of the department might have disobeyed direct orders to recuse themselves from the testing process because their sons were taking the test,” a statement from the city said. “It was also determined that one of those members might have supplied answers to his son.”

One firefighter was put on administrative but resigned ahead of a conduct hearing, according to The Hour. The firefighter's son also resigned before a hearing after he was placed on administrative leave.

“Both father and son tendered their resignations prior to their disciplinary hearings being held,” the city’s statement said.

The investigation found insufficient evidence to prove the other firefighter had disobeyed orders to recuse himself. No disciplinary action was taken against him.

“This incident raised concerns about the testing program resulting in our decision to conduct our own entry-level exam in the future, which will ensure the test is fair and equal for all candidates,” Mayor Harry Rilling said in a statement. “I am disappointed this happened in Norwalk, but thankfully, it appears to have been an isolated incident.”

On July 28—a week after the investigation report was given to the city—Assistant Fire Chief Chris King retired from the department, The Hour reports. The 33-year veteran and city officials did not comment on why King retired.

“This incident does not reflect the overall character, values and integrity of the Norwalk Fire Department,” Fire Chief Gino Gatto said in a statement.