Chair-Bash Bravest Fired on Staten Island

May 20, 2005 -- Michael Silvestri, the Staten Island firefighter who belted another fireman with a chair during a wild firehouse brawl, was fired by the Fire Department yesterday, officials said.

Silvestri, a 17-year veteran, allegedly belted colleague Robert Walsh with a metal chair during the 2003 New Year's Eve assault which stemmed from insults that got of out control.

The firing was effective yesterday, FDNY officials said. Walsh, who has a $100 million suit against the city, was in a coma and nearly died from the attack, which took place in the Tottenville firehouse.

Investigators said the mayhem started with illegal holiday beers at the firehouse and ended with Walsh nearly dying from massive injuries.