PITTSBURGH \u2014 11 Investigates has learned that a city of Pittsburgh firefighter has been fired after the city discovered he had been working without his state Emergency Medical Technician certification. <\/p>\n
All city firefighters hired beginning in 2005 are required to be EMTs. <\/p>\n
The firefighter, who\u2019s been with the city since 2021, worked at Engine 23 in Carrick.<\/p>\n
PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 3 Pittsburgh firefighters suspended, chief still under investigation<\/a><\/p>\n The new administration that took over in January discovered he had been working without his state EMT certification. <\/p>\n The firefighter argued his case before a trial board of fellow firefighters at city hall last week, and 11 Investigates Chief Investigator Rick Earle learned the city has now fired him.<\/p>\n 11 Investigates spoke with Mayor Corey O\u2019Connor last month after the firefighter had been suspended. <\/p>\n Earle: Suffice it to say, you were concerned when you discovered all of this?<\/p>\n Mayor: Always concerned. You know, that\u2019s something that\u2019s scary for a lot of people: if people don\u2019t have certifications in certain areas, that\u2019s scary.<\/p>\n Firefighters\u2019 Union President Ralph Sicuro declined comment on Thursday, but issued this statement last month.<\/p>\n \u201cThe union does not litigate personnel matters through the media, and we will allow the appropriate processes to take place.\u201d <\/p>\n This comes as the city is still investigating suspended Fire Chief Darryl Jones. <\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire Chief Darryl Jones placed on administrative leave, sources say<\/a><\/p>\n Jones was placed on paid administrative leave in early June, but the city hasn\u2019t released any details.<\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates: Pittsburgh Mayor speaks about suspension of fire chief Darryl Jones<\/a><\/p>\n Sources tell 11 Investigates the administration raised questions about Jones\u2019 oversight and management of the Fire Bureau.<\/p>\n PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 11 Investigates Exclusive: Pittsburgh City Council president reacts to fire chief\u2019s suspension<\/a><\/p>\n Sources say the administration is also concerned about excessive overtime.<\/p>\n Sources also tell 11 Investigates that the chief was aware of the firefighter working without EMT certification. <\/p>\n Earle reached out to Chief Jones several times, but has not heard back.<\/p>\n The firefighter who was let go today can appeal his termination to the civil service board.<\/p>\n It\u2019s unclear if he plans to do that. <\/p>\n Download the FREE WPXI News app<\/a> for breaking news alerts.<\/p>\n Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook<\/a> and Twitter<\/a>. | Watch WPXI NOW<\/a><\/p>\n TOP STORIES FROM CHANNEL 11 NEWS <\/p>\n \u00a92026 Cox Media Group<\/p>\n