On Monday two retired FDNY chiefs were arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into the issue of corruption within public departments.
Retired Chief Brian Cordasco was arrested at home on Staten Island and retired Chief Anthony Saccavino was arrested at home in Manhattan, the sources said.
Cordasco and Saccavino were apprehended following a year-long investigation into corruption allegations. The charges against them include accepting bribes to expedite building inspections, a serious offense that undermines the integrity of the department and the safety protocols that protect the public.
The FBI had searched their homes and offices earlier this year. The FDNY placed the chiefs on modified duty at the time. The New York City Department of Investigation searched FDNY headquarters as well.
According to the indictment unsealed on Monday in Manhattan Federal Court, Saccavino and Cordasco “repeatedly abused their positions of trust as high-ranking officials in the New York City Fire Department” by soliciting and accepting tens of thousands of dollars in bribe payments in exchange for providing preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies.
Reportedly, the alleged bribes did not compromise the safety of any buildings, but the issue has tarnished the NYFD.
Mayor Eric Adams was quick to note that the investigation started under the previous mayor. His administration is currently subject to a spate of corruption investigations, one involving expedited building inspections.
“It started under the previous administration,” Adams said. “When the fire commissioner Laura Kavanaugh became aware of it, she reported it.”
Robert Tucker, the current Fire Commissioner, has vowed the Department’s full cooperation unrelated to this one.
“Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated. The Department will fully cooperate with any ongoing investigations. Keeping New Yorkers safe remains our top priority,” Tucker said.
