14 Face FDNY Discipline Over Diploma Scam

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

The Fire Department Feb. 8 filed disciplinary charges against 13 officers and one Firefighter accused of submitting college credits from a fraudulent on-line university to secure promotions and a job.

PETER L. GORMAN: No intent to deceive.

The FDNY said the 14 individuals were each charged with the following violations: knowingly making a false official entry, statement, report or record; conduct bringing reproach upon the department; and violating the oath of office.

Shaky Credentials

According to a Department of Investigation report released Jan. 31, the 13 fire officers had submitted transcripts from St. Regis University - an on-line institution registered in the Republic of Liberia whose principals have been indicted on fraud charges - to meet FDNY education requirements for promotion. The Firefighter attempted to submit a St. Regis degree to be hired, the DOI said.

Only three of the 14, however, were promoted or hired based on St. Regis credits. The rest earned their credits at accredited schools after their St. Regis credits were rejected by the FDNY, including the Firefighter.

FDNY officials declined to discuss what specific charges the firefighters might face, except to note that "the penalties could range from monetary fines or suspension, up to termination."

Peter L. Gorman, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers' Association, said if the FDNY did its own investigation, it would find there had been no wrongdoing or intent to deceive.