NEW YORK (AP) -- A firefighter charged with bashing a colleague in the face with a metal chair on New Year's Eve 2003 has been fired, the department said Thursday.
Michael Silvestri is accused of assaulting Robert Walsh, critically injuring him, at the Staten Island firehouse where they were assigned. Walsh suffered a broken jaw, a broken nose and brain and spinal injuries. The incident led to a crackdown on drinking in firehouses, which is against department rules.
Silvestri has pleaded not guilty to charges that carry up to 25 years in prison. A telephone message left for Silvestri's lawyer was not immediately returned Thursday.
Walsh has filed a $100 million lawsuit against the city, claiming alcohol flowed freely in the firehouse and other firefighters didn't call an ambulance, treat his injuries or notify police because they were trying to cover up the drinking.
Silvestri, a firefighter since 1988, had been assigned to restricted duties after a 30-day suspension, the maximum allowed under civil service regulations.
A trial date has not been set.
