IMG SOURCE: Nypost.com
The fire department of New York (FDNY) has been embroiled in controversy following the retirement of Thomas Waller, a fireboat pilot involved in a fatal collision. Waller’s retirement, complete with a sizeable disability pension, has raised many eyebrows.
On June 17, 2022, when a FDNY fireboat collided with another vessel. The tragic event resulted in the death of a visiting firefighter from Belgium, Johnny Beernaert. The fireboat, known as Marine 1 Bravo, was being operated by Thomas Waller at the time of the accident.
After 22 years of service, Waller retired this month. Despite the controversy surrounding his involvement in the fatal accident, Waller is set to receive a disability pension of at least $110,000 annually, all of which is tax-exempt.
The U.S. Coast Guard conducted an investigation into the incident, which resulted in damning findings against Waller. The probe cited Waller’s reckless operation and “unsafe speed” as factors contributing to the fatal collision.
These boats, intended for medical emergencies, have been used for personal entertainment by friends and relatives of high-ranking officers.
On the fateful night, retired FDNY Capt. Stephen Lonergan arrived at the Marine 1 pier in Manhattan. He requested a sightseeing trip to the Statue of Liberty and Brooklyn Bridge for himself, Beernaert, and their wives. The commanding officer at the pier assigned Waller to pilot the impromptu trip.
The fireboat sped along the East River at a top speed of 28 mph. Meanwhile, a chartered pleasure boat, “Honcho,” was cruising nearby at 6 mph. The resulting collision caused “blunt force injuries” to Beernaert’s head, ultimately leading to his death.
Under FDNY pension rules, disability benefits for accidental injuries in the line of duty cannot be collected as a result of a retiree’s “own negligence.” Despite this, Waller is set to receive a disability pension.
Waller and several other officers were assigned to desk duties or transferred out of the FDNY’s marine division. No disciplinary charges were filed against them, which could have been grounds for denying a disability pension.
Many have criticized the FDNY’s handling of the situation. A fellow FDNY retiree claimed that Waller was being “rewarded” despite his negligence. Taxpayer watchdog groups have also voiced their concerns about the transparency of FDNY pensions.
Following the tragedy, Beernaert’s widow, Heidi Vermandel, filed a lawsuit against both the city and New York City Boat Tours, the owner of the Honcho. The case is currently ongoing.
The incident, while tragic, has highlighted the need for reforms within the FDNY. It’s clear that changes need to be made to ensure the safe and responsible use of FDNY resources, as well as transparency in pension allocations. As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes are on the FDNY and how they will respond to this controversy.
