Two Retired FDNY Chiefs Arrested for Alleged Corruption

Two retired chiefs from the New York City Fire Department were arrested early Monday morning after a yearlong corruption investigation, according to law enforcement sources cited by ABC News.

Retired Chief Brian Cordasco was apprehended at his Staten Island home, while Retired Chief Anthony Saccavino was arrested at his Manhattan residence.

The indictment, unsealed Monday in Manhattan federal court, alleges that 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 bribes. In exchange, they reportedly provided preferential treatment to certain individuals and companies.

The indictment claims that the two men, who served in the FDNY Bureau of Fire Prevention, engaged in this misconduct for nearly two years. They are accused of accepting $190,000 in bribes to expedite inspections.

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker, who assumed his role after the chiefs had retired, stated, "Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically. Anything less will not be tolerated." He emphasized that the Department would fully cooperate with ongoing investigations, underscoring that maintaining public safety remains a top priority.

Earlier this year, the FBI conducted searches of their homes and offices, and the FDNY placed the chiefs on modified duty. Additionally, the New York City Department of Investigation searched FDNY headquarters.

The alleged corruption scheme surfaced as part of a broader investigation into whether Mayor Eric Adams' campaign received illegal funds from Turkey to expedite the inspection of a new Turkish consulate. A spokesperson for Mayor Adams stated there is "no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall."

"City Hall was informed of this operation when FDNY notified us this morning," the spokesperson said. "The FDNY continues to cooperate with DOI, and there is no indication of any direct connection to anyone at City Hall."