IMPORTANT UPDATE: On Friday 10-15, DC Fire & EMS now says Chief Rubin misspoke and the firefighter is not on enforced leave
Previous coverage of this story
WTOP Radio's Neal Augenstein has an update on the off-duty DC firefighter who had his picture taken while he was cooking in the nude at the quarters of Engine 11. DC Fire & EMS Department Chief Dennis Rubin told Augenstein this incident occurred after several off-duty firefighters went to nearby bars following a retirement party at the firehouse on July 7 and then returned to the station for breakfast. Here are excerpts from WTOP's report:
A firefighter photographed cooking eggs naked after a retirement party in a D.C. firehouse has been suspended without pay and is now the subject of a new investigation, WTOP has learned.
"I'm sad to report that the scope of the investigation has broadened significantly," D.C. Fire Chief Dennis Rubin said during an exclusive interview in his office.
"The firefighter has been placed on enforced leave — leave without pay."
"The case is substantive against the individual," Rubin says.
Bill Miller, spokesman for the District's U.S. Attorney's Office, declined to discuss whether the case has been referred to prosecutors.
Rubin tells WTOP the internal investigation determined there were no female employees or attendees, but the firefighter's nudity in a common area merited suspension.
Also on STATter911 …
- Must see video … then again, maybe not. – December 18, 2012
- Facebook problems in the Nation’s Capital. Five DC firefighters taken off the street for comments about police. – May 14, 2013
- Thank you Dennis Rubin! More than three-years later former DC fire chief confirms STATter911.com’s reporting was accurate. – October 12, 2012
- News reports: East Spencer, NC fire Chief & former chief borrow on-duty officer’s taser to shock teen firefighter 9 times. Cops resign. Chiefs face assault charges. – December 30, 2011
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I think the term off-duty should put an end to this. I wish that people would take their heads out of their butts and realize that fun is fun. I am a married woman and if if it were me working at that staion and saw this I would have laughed with the rest of them. Look people…boys will be boys and its all in good fun. If they fire him over this they have issues. He should turn it in to a poster. Im sure he could make some money off the picture….. How about we find a story worth reading…huh?
CCmomof2, I disagree with you.
Our profession will never get the respect is deserves when people act, and think, the way you do. I am not being disrespectful towards your opinion, but tell me any other profession where this is acceptable? Do you see doctors or lawyers or grocery clerks or restaurant workers or ANY other profession where this is done and/or accepted, whether the person in question is on duty or off. I do realize that those professions are not perfect either, and have their fare share of hi-jinks as well.
Every time one of us performs admirably on the job (Lowell FD video from just the other day, case in point) they’re actions are negated by this “boy, just being a boy” as you put it. And no, in my opinion, doing what those brave men did in Lowell still doesn’t give the same people the right to walk around a firehouse naked. Not that they would, I’m just making an example.
I am in no way saying this person should be fired, or really saying anything about the disciplinary process, as I am not involved in the incident in any way, so I have not dog in this fight.
How can the department put him on enforced leave when he’s done nothing criminally wrong. Enforced leave is for individuals who are being investigated for crimes they allegedly have committed. Unless there was special sauce being ejected onto the eggs, this is a sad attempt at making this guy the scapegoat. There might be more to this than I know, but the department transferred the officer of the engine (zero punishment) and did nothing to the truck officer.
This is just another example of how Dennis Rubin covers things up, tells Pete Piringer what to say, then all of a sudden we have to back track our steps because a photo has surfaced… As I said before, I personally think this is funny, however, don’t single this guy and transfer the others. There’s a reason why the officer of the engine was transferred, so if he didn’t do anything then why was he transferred. Last time I checked, getting transferred to a desirable firehouse on the same platoon as you worked before, was not considered punishment. But when your heads so far up the Assistant Fire Chief of Operations colon, this is the treatment you receive.
I don’t believe for one second that a guy cooking naked in the firehouse is going to impact the the way civilians view our occupation. Your making a mountain out of a mole hill! As for the Doctor’s and Lawyers? you don’t see them risking their lives on a regular basis either do you? It takes a certain type of individual to perform those acts this type of individual may also like to cook a hearty breakfast in the nude as well. I’ll tell you this much when it’s all on the line I want this naked egg flipping FIREMAN! behind me and you can have your Doctor and your Lawyer and your Jake Speed. I believe this guy was transferred a couple mo ago and that should have been the extent of the reprimand just because a photo surfaced all of a sudden he’s under the gun? It’s a shame this is where we’re at. Jake I don’t know where your from and I could really give two Shi-s but you sure do like to get up high on your soap-box and talk trash when it comes to DC related topics? It’s not our fault you were 950 on the list of candidates? So go back to whatever hole you crawled out of. Hi-jinks?? really who says that anymore? Get a Life Pal!
Sam Houston…
Sorry dude, but I disagree with you… All this junk that we risk are lives everyday does not justify the actions of this FF. Lets be real, we do have a dangerous job (at times), but some in our profession like to make the public think that we are always running through fires everyday and rescuing people, and that’s not true. Jake Speed made a very good point; we need to start acting like real professionals and not like a bunch of kids. If you just read some the news stories across the country, you can see that the public is starting to get fed up with our profession and that we are loosing the community support and respect… We need to wake up..
And to think all you big city career guys talk trash about the vollies and this happens in our nations capitol, Oh the irony!!I personally think its funny and shoulda been kept in house but hey paid guys, thanks for the laughs! (at your expense)
WVfirefighter…if you think this funny, I’m sure if we saw your portly figure naked, we would probably go into a full blown seizure and be mentally scarred for life. The person in question also volunteers and I’m quite sure he’s not the type to act like you. Without knowing a thing about you, I have the ability to see through people like yourself. You have an unmarked 1982 crown vic police cruiser with license plate cover in tow, which reads, my other car is an ambulance, with EMT plastered over your back window. In addition, you more than likely have 12 or more antennas on your vehicle, with a straw hat and a blower to compliment the total package. This way you can pull over on Hedgesville road, stand outside your vehicle and someone will think your a state trooper doin radar with your blow dryer…Your the definition of tool who’s never shunned away from a good game of basket bingo or ever been to shy about getting fourths at the annual oyster and muskrat dinnner at the VFD. However, things could be lookin up for you as I heard Mellwood is planning to build a technical school out in the Eastern Panhandle. This could be the big break you’ve been looking for, well, since the day you broke up with your cousin. Now run along, I hear the bells going off at the Smiths General Store, better get saddled up cowboy, this could be a biggin.
Well as usual the vile words and sarcasim still existe. And also as usual Hookman is one of the Leaders in Detrimental agitation. This situation was uncalled for, and preventable.
Yes the Station personnel were enjoying a good time so to speak. The idea of being naked and photographed is reprehensible. What this sorry state of events has caused is to put an undesirable image of The Fire and EMS Service. The Nation’s Fire and EMS Department is at the focus here. The enforced Time off is good. That individual has brought shame and disgrace to the good Decent Men and Women of DCFD. This incident plays a scar that will be difficult to overlook in the
eyes and Opinions of the Tax paying Public and the City Powers to be.The Female Firefighter who so blatently laughed it off, should be ashamed of herself. If an incident with inappropriate
facts occurred which would insult her not only as a Professional, but more over as a Woman. She would be the first one to file a SExual Harrassment Complaint, as she would be well within her Rights and Dignity to do so. To Hookman, that Female, and others who laughed and thought this disgusting incident was a joke, pull your Head out of your Backside, Climb out of your sand Box, Recess is Over. One can only believe this Female was trying to fit in with her Male Colleagues with agreeing to this shameful mess. The term Professional is a definitive measure to speak the Conduct and Ability to Serve and protect the Public.Each one of you should take a good Look at yorself in the Mirror, and ask “Are you a True Professional in the strongest meaning” or are you a group
of absolute Pathetic, disgraceful,meaningless individuals who use the Professional Standards Of District Of Columbia Fire and EMS Dept., for their immature juvenile activities?
Thank You
Dennis Rubin, you never cease to amaze me with your oh so powerful words and your cornacopia of adjectives that make you sound like a 4th grader trying to win the big contest for best fictional story…..have fun packing your boxes and ill look forward to ruining your future….muahhhhhhh
Rubin tells WTOP the internal investigation determined there were no female employees or attendees,
WTF are you talking about Anonymous? You just wasted 30sec of my life reading your unfounded non-researched spiel!
The Female Firefighter who so blatently laughed it off, should be ashamed of herself.
Hey Dumba-s there were no females present! This guy’s likely WVFirefighter’s Capt?
You know, the real problem here are the nitwits who took the picture and then plastered it on facebook for the ENTIRE planet to see. I don’t get this generation that has to document EVERYTHING and then put it out there for the whole damn world. Back in the day (here I go sounding old again) if you showed up at an FD function with a camera it would be snatched and destroyed, you would be blackballed from any further FD functions, and if you were lucky, you didn’t get the snot kicked out of you. Today, we just point and click with our cellies then pull up the internet instantly and post on facebook. I saw a t-shirt the other day that says it all: “What happens in Vegas goes on facebook.” Ain’t that the effen truth! Was this unprofessional? Yep. Was it stupid? Yep. Was it funny? Damn straight. Would I want this guy backin’ me up on the line, cuttin’ the hole in the roof above me, or comin’ after me if I was down? Damn straight, and I don’t expect non-Firemen or the public to understand, it’s just how it is and I can guarantee that if anyone of the public was in a serious jam and really and truly needed a Fireman to unjam them, this guy and all the rest like him are who they’d want coming to the rescue…
To Hookman,ccmomof2,Sam Houston.
I mis understaood the comment from ccmof2 her words of agreeing and laughing at the disgusting antics of this situation still stands to the fact either she’s trying to fit in with her male colleagues, as “one of the boys” or she really does believe this incident wasnot serious. What would she say/do if another female was there and undressed to the
level of indecent exposure. I shall give her the benefit of the doubt, one can only hope she would immediately file a Sexual Harrassment complaint. To Hookman again you speak with vile words and deceitful immature juvenile ignorance. For your Information Dennis Rubin didnot submit the comments you so quickly
jumped to not knowing the Truth. Your words speak volumes about your mentality. “Ruinning your Life” referencing Chief Dennis Rubin. You need to grow up and start conducting and
portraying yourself as an adult. I don’t want to use the Professional concerning you. Borderline Wannabe is more appropriate. To sam Houston your vulgar WTF/DumbAss terminology is what one can expect from an individual who speaks with negative vile words and thoughts. You obviously need to clean up your vocabulary and start speaking like a Professional and an adult. Yes I misunderstood the comments of ccmomof 2. I apologize for mis speaking.
Thank You
Anonymiss…..thanks for being the resident EEO official for Statter911. You seem to know alot about something you have zero information about, as to base your psychiatric opinons on.
Sorry to refer you to Denise Rubin, I had a hard time with deciphering you two out, due to the incessant whining, which is normally a dead giveaway for me…My bad….BTW…thanx for the advice pops, but I’ll stick to my sarcastic 3rd grade wit and mentality, rather than being an adult and lowering myself to your level…kisses
Whatever! go to church and pray for all of us vile speaking,immature, wannabe, negative,vulgar,vile heathens! Your use of adjectives baffles me your whole statement is one big Fu-king adjective and of course you misunderstood your whole life is a misunderstanding. Do us all a favor and sit in your corner cubicle and keep your Di-k trap shut on matters that don’t concern you! Uh oh there I go being vile again? Forgive Me.
For the readers all over the world, there is a reason that Hookman is an “ex DC Firefighter”. How’s that “retirement” going Hook? You ain’t one of us anymore so stop acting like you are.
DCE10fake…..this would be hard for someone in a 3rd world country to understand what you wrote, due to the realization they might not understand the english language. For some reason the HOOKMAN has reached someone outside of the United States, I would be overcome with joy.
Now pumpkin….if your gonna come at me with your cool screen name you just made up, why don’t you back your reasons up with credible information, rather than write to me in a tone because you dislike me….The floor is all yours, so let the world no the reasons for why I’m a “ex DC Firefighter”. I prefer to call myself a former employee who plays golf frequently while patiently awaiting my appeal with the OEA and watching closely as my multi million dollar civil suit moves along…And here you are being mean to me….When I comeback….and trust me I will be back, I’m planning on outfitting the members with diamond grills with their company logo imprinted in the diamond…
Whomever you are, I’m quite sure your no one I would associate with nor did I look your way when I was employed, so don’t think for a second you speak on behalf of all DC Fireman…I’m quite sure I have my fair share of those who dislike me and guess what…I DON’T CARE…If you knew me, which you don’t, YOU AND EVERYONE ELSE WOULD KNOW THAT I DON’T CARE… If you disliked me you should have told me when I was working so I could tell you personally that, thats right, I DON’T CARE…Maybe you can utilize your health insurance and get some exploratory surgery done to replace your ovaries with a set of kahonnies so you can oneday man up…Until then keep creating screen names so you can write illiterate post’s to me….QUOTE: “You ain”t one of us anymore so stop acting like you are”…lol….what are we in the Wild Wild West…giddy up partner…..
Gotcha
I frankly can’t understand why this made news. So the guy was naked…perhaps he is a nudist and now you are unwilling to accommodate his belief system. Now that isn’t very PC
Frankly I am glad firemen (sorry that’s not PC…firefighters) are like family. Everyplace I have enjoyed working at has some amount of amusement. I am a programmer and there is horseplay around the office. At the station I volunteer at if we aren’t training you can find us playing. Horseplay/joking around, while not professional, makes for a more enjoyable environment to work at. Why do people want to work at Google, Microsoft, Pixar, fire & police departments because there is enjoyment in those work environments. As a side note you may want to keep in mind that at any time any firefighter that deals with Haz-mat may be asked to get naked in front of others to be decontaminated.
DCE10D-bag…i responded to you on the follow up to this story…No need to type anymore to you..you showed your true colors with your last response
The focus is and should be on both Rubin and the PIO office lying to the media, as they’ve done everytime something happens. If Crosswhite and Piringer were in Rubin’s office, they had plenty of time to correct something, if something was misinterpreted….Leave the nekid fireman alone…it isn’t a big deal in my mind and doesn’t seem to be a big deal in others.
Yeah hookman Im with you on most all your comments,most of the guys on this site dont have the guts to do what you have done becuz they are spineless.I bet you they are scared of there own shadow.I know for a fact that rube,or uncle shultz would not have dare to say that to your face out from a protected enviroment.Your not brave because you run into harms way, sometimes its stupidity.Your not brave because you stood there getting a lil be sting while putting a blaze to rest.A man who can stand up for his beliefs inspite of those who are in his way or donot share the same convictions and still stands his ground now thats a brave soul.Preach on hook what you left us with is a bunch of young inexperienced whiners with no back bone that will not think for themselves.Instead of standing for whats right they rather try to fit in what a waste
Hookman you should have your own website to fight for us normal folk who totally get the humor of guy standing naked in front of stove cooking eggs. I mean how emotionally constipated do you have to be to not see humor in this. Sounds like someone at DC Fire hasn’t got anything better to do but screw with the guys on the job but can let someone sit on paid leave for 2 years pending a fraud investigation and twittle there thumbs.