The Chicago Fire Department has launched an internal investigation into allegations that a male firefighter grabbed a female colleague and pushed her during a firehouse argument, according to authorities.
On the evening of April 27, the man grabbed the woman by the arms and shoved her, leaving bruises on her arms, police said. According to a source, the two firefighters worked at the same firehouse at 7974 S. South Chicago Ave. but make runs on different vehicles. The argument was about the performance of their crews, the source said.
“CFD has zero tolerance for violence in the workplace,” Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford said. “We are currently investigating a reported incident at a firehouse that involves conduct between two members.”
In addition to its own investigation, which could lead to a suspension or firing, the Fire Department filed a police report based on the accounts of several witnesses.
The female firefighter, who declined medical attention, has so far declined to press criminal charges, Chicago police said Wednesday afternoon.
Both firefighters have been transferred from the firehouse where the argument took place.
Earlier this month, five female paramedics filed a federal lawsuit claiming they were groped, stalked and forced to endure repeated sexually explicit remarks from superiors.
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