Cops: Guy Phoned in False Alarms to Rob Firefighters

Worst part: He is a firefighter himself
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 20, 2013 1:22 PM CDT
Cops: Guy Phoned in False Alarms to Rob Firefighters
Accused firefighter Joseph Keene.   (New York City Department of Investigation)

A New York City firefighter is accused of some especially heinous deeds: Authorities say that Joseph Keene not only called in three false alarms, but he did so to steal cash from his fellow firefighters' lockers when they sped out to investigate, reports the Gothamist. Keene allegedly got about $2,000 in cash before his arrest on Thursday. Surveillance video caught him entering one of the empty firehouses, and authorities traced the fake calls to his cell phone, reports the New York Post.

He faces felony charges of grand larceny, burglary, and falsely reporting an incident, all of which could get him 15 years in prison, reports the Daily News. The 34-year-old has been on the FDNY for six years and makes about $76,000 a year. He's been suspended pending further action. "Unbelievable," one Staten Island firefighter tells the Post. "It’s just unconscionable.” (More FDNY stories.)

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