Jul 21, 2008 8:14 pm US/Eastern
Menino: Bodybuilding Firefighter Should Quit
Albert Arroyo Did Not Show Up To Work Monday
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Albert Arroyo, 46, reported that he fell down some stairs in the Jamaica Plain firehouse on March 21 and reinjured an old back problem.
WBZ
The Boston firefighter who claimed to be permanently disabled - but then competed in a body building contest was a no-show at work on Monday and now he might lose his job altogether.
Albert Arroyo was ordered to return to work by Fire Commissioner Roderick Frazer. He sent a letter to Arroyo late last week ordering his return to work on Monday. Arroyo did not show up for his shift and he did not contact anyone with a reason for his absence.
"The commissioner has been very clear on this," said fire department spokesman Steve MacDonald. "The commissioner feels that he can do his job, which is a fire inspector. That he does want him to come to work, and we did expect him at work today."
"He has not shown up to work and now the personnel chief is investigating why."
Arroyo, 46, reported that he fell down some stairs in the Jamaica Plain firehouse in March, flaring up an old back problem. His doctor wrote that Arroyo should be granted an accidental disability retirement because he is "permanently disabled."
Yet on May 3 after collecting his full $68,000 annual salary tax free for six weeks, Arroyo finished eighth in a bodybuilding competition.
"I think he should resign," Mayor Tom Menino told WBZ's Kathy Curran Monday.
Dr. John Mahoney of Caritas Carney Hospital, the doctor who determined Arroyo was permanently disabled, said that he was unaware his patient was a professional bodybuilder since 2003. Mahoney told the Boston Globe that he never noticed Albert Arroyo's ripped physique during 13 exams, 8 of which were since his injury.
Mahoney says it wasn't until video surfaced on news reports that he found out about Arroyo's bodybuilding career.
"If someone is doing bodybuilding and doesn't tell me, how the hell would I know?" Mahoney told the Globe.
Dr. Mahoney was the department's in-house medical officer for two years in the early 80's. Since 2001 he has recommended 25 firefighters receive permanent disability pensions, according to records obtained by WBZ. At least 19 were approved.
The Boston Fire Department is under federal investigation for questionable disability cases like Arroyo's. Dr. Mahoney denies being the go-to doctor for firefighters looking to scam the department.
Menino wants the state's retirement commission to look into Dr. Mahoney's decisions.
Mahoney has not returned several calls from WBZ.
Albert Arroyo was due to return to work Monday morning as a fire inspector in Roxbury. Because he didn't show up, he's no longer getting paid.
"He did not report to work, so he's off the payroll," said Menino.
Arroyo has 14 days to show up or explain why he can't work. If those 14 days expire he can lose his job.
Dr. Mahoney has been licensed to practice for 34 years. He's had 6 complaints filed against him but he's never been disciplined.
Commissioner Fraser is urging the city's retirement board to deny Arroyo's permanent disability claim.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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