N.Y. Chief Suspended for Letting Ill Member Drive

A Long Island volunteer fire chief received a 30-day suspension after allowing a firefighter on cancer medication to drive a fire vehicle in a parade.

South Farmingdale Chief James Martin's suspension begins next week, according to Patch.com.

Martin allowed a terminally ill department member, whose responsibility has been reduced while on treatment, to drive during a vehicle in the Memorial Day parade.

Fire Commissioner Tom Mastakouris said it was ”a lack of judgement...he’s a great chief.”

He told the website that the suspension was “for failure to take precautionary measures to ensure the safety of the public and members of the department.”

“We felt that this was an offense that really should be held accountable,” Mastakouris added.