The Fire Department of New York (FDNY) is in the spotlight as federal authorities uncover a widespread bribery scheme involving two of its retired fire chiefs. FDNY Commissioner Robert Tucker has pledged the department’s full cooperation in the investigation following the arrests of Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, both former leaders of the Fire Prevention Bureau.
Saccavino and Cordasco are accused of accepting bribes from property developers and business owners in exchange for fast-tracking building inspections, a scheme that allegedly spanned two years, from 2021 to 2023. The federal indictment reveals that the two men pocketed nearly $100,000 each, with sources reporting that they used various bank accounts to conceal the illicit funds.
According to the charges, the fire chiefs prioritized at least 30 major projects, manipulating their authority within the FDNY’s Fire Prevention Bureau. This bureau is responsible for ensuring that buildings across the city meet fire safety standards—a critical function in a densely populated urban area like New York. The indictment details how the accused retired chiefs allegedly accepted bribes to bypass standard inspection processes, placing public safety at risk for personal financial gain.
FDNY Commissioner Tucker expressed deep disappointment in a public statement, reaffirming the department’s commitment to integrity and transparency. “Every member of the FDNY takes a sworn oath to conduct themselves honestly and ethically,” Tucker stated. “Anything less will not be tolerated. We will work closely with federal authorities to ensure that justice is served.”
Sources close to the investigation have confirmed that federal agents had been monitoring suspicious financial activities tied to Saccavino and Cordasco for several months. These activities included frequent, unexplained deposits into various personal accounts, raising red flags that led to further scrutiny. In addition to financial records, investigators are said to have gathered testimonies from contractors and developers who admitted to participating in the bribery scheme.
The scandal has sent shockwaves through the FDNY, an organization that prides itself on upholding the highest ethical standards. As one of the nation’s largest fire departments, the FDNY’s reputation for trustworthiness and dedication is at stake amid these allegations. Commissioner Tucker emphasized that the department will not allow the actions of a few individuals to tarnish the integrity of the entire force.
Moving forward, the FDNY has announced an internal review of its Fire Prevention Bureau and inspection protocols to prevent future misconduct. Additional oversight measures are expected to be implemented, including random audits of building inspection processes and financial activities tied to key personnel. Furthermore, Tucker has indicated that the FDNY will cooperate with any federal reforms that may arise from the investigation.
As the legal proceedings against Saccavino and Cordasco move forward, federal prosecutors are expected to argue that their actions constituted not just a violation of their sworn duties but a threat to public safety. By allowing potentially unsafe buildings to bypass fire inspections, the consequences of this scheme could have been catastrophic.
Meanwhile, New York City officials have expressed concern over the potential ripple effects of this corruption case. Mayor Eric Adams addressed the matter, stating, “Corruption in any form will not be tolerated, especially when it endangers the lives of New Yorkers. We trust the FDNY to protect us, and I am confident that Commissioner Tucker will take the necessary steps to restore public faith.”
The FDNY has a long-standing tradition of public service, and the department’s leadership is determined to ensure this scandal does not erode the public’s confidence. Investigations are ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge as the case against the former chiefs proceeds in federal court.
