Fire and Fraud: Scandal Engulfs New York's Bravest
When it comes to fire safety, trust is everything — but in this case, that trust went up in smoke. Two former New York City fire chiefs, once responsible for keeping the city safe, found themselves in the hot seat after admitting to a bribery scheme that fast-tracked inspections for cash. It wasn't just cutting corners — it was cutting deals, and now they're facing the heat.
Corruption in the Fire Department
Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, both former high-ranking chiefs in the FDNY's Bureau of Fire Prevention, were charged with accepting bribes in exchange for speeding up fire safety inspections. Prosecutors say the scheme, which ran from 2021 to 2023, raked in over $190,000. Saccavino, who pleaded guilty in January, admitted to personally pocketing $57,000 before the scheme was uncovered.
Authorities say the two worked with a retired firefighter who ran an illegal "expediting" business, promising clients quicker approvals for a price. The Bureau of Fire Prevention is responsible for overseeing fire safety systems in New York, making their role in the scheme all the more alarming. Instead of ensuring buildings met safety standards, they allegedly manipulated the system to benefit those who were willing to pay.
A Guilty Plea and Sentencing
Saccavino entered his guilty plea in a Manhattan federal court and is set to be sentenced in May. Under his plea agreement, prosecutors are recommending a five-year prison term. His former colleague, Cordasco, pleaded guilty in October and will face sentencing in March.
According to investigators, Saccavino also misled his subordinates, justifying the rushed inspections with false explanations. The scheme operated under the radar for years, taking advantage of bureaucratic backlogs created by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Connections to City Hall?
While there is no direct evidence linking this case to the broader corruption probes swirling around New York City Mayor Eric Adams, the timing raises eyebrows. The mayor himself has been under federal investigation for allegedly accepting illegal campaign donations and gifts from Turkish officials. One accusation against him involves pressuring the fire department to expedite an inspection for a Turkish consulate — something strikingly similar to what Saccavino and Cordasco were doing for cash.
A lawsuit filed by a former fire chief last year also alleged that City Hall maintained a list of politically connected developers who were given priority for inspections. Mayor Adams has denied any wrongdoing, but federal prosecutors say their investigations are far from over.
For a department built on bravery and integrity, this scandal is a serious stain. Firefighters are supposed to put out flames, not fan them with corruption. As sentencing approaches, Saccavino and Cordasco will have to face the consequences of their actions. And for New Yorkers? It's a reminder that when money talks, safety can get burned.
References: Ex-fire chief in New York City pleads guilty in corruption scandal | Feds charge NYC mayor with selling his influence to foreign nationals. He says he won't resign | Two ex-fire chiefs in New York City arrested in corruption scandal
