Massachusetts Firefighter, Dispatcher Fired for Alleged On-Duty Drug Use

Nov. 22, 2004
A city firefighter and a dispatcher who allegedly snorted cocaine and drank beer while on duty at the fire department's communications center will be fired, the mayor said.
LAWRENCE, Mass. (AP) -- A city firefighter and a dispatcher who allegedly snorted cocaine and drank beer while on duty at the fire department's communications center will be fired, the mayor said.

Mayor Michael J. Sullivan told the Eagle-Tribune newspaper that a surveillance camera caught firefighter Isidro ``Junior'' Cordero and dispatcher Judy Brito.

``She'd pass him a spoon; they'd snort it,'' Sullivan said. ``They had open beers. It's not like there's any more investigating. It's all on the tape.''

The secret film was shot last Wednesday night and early Thursday while Cordero and Brito worked the overnight shift.

Fire Chief Joseph L. Marquis had begun an investigation after receiving an anonymous tip that employees were indulging in drugs, booze and sex while on duty.

The surveillance camera set up by the Lawrence Police Department did not film any sexual activity, officials said.

Brito's termination was effective Monday. Cordero is protected by Civil Service and must be sent a letter stating the city's intent to fire him and the reasons why.

Cordero and Brito have been on paid leave since Thursday. The Eagle-Tribune said both Cordero and Brito could not be reached to comment. A Lawrence number for Cordero is unlisted, and a number listed to J. Brito was not in service Monday.

Cordero joined the fire department in 1998. Brito was hired in 2001.

They won't case criminal charges for the alleged drug use because police don't have any of the substance seen in the surveillance footage to send of testing, Police Chief John J. Romero said.

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