A Boston firefighter on permanent disability was ordered to return to work after he was caught competing in a bodybuilding contest. Albert Arroyo, 46, filed disability claims for a back injury he said resulted from an accidental fall on the job on March 21. Arroyo’s doctor backed up his claims, writing that Arroyo was “permanently disabled.”
The firefighter collected his full $68,000 annual salary tax-free for six weeks while hoisting iron in preparation for bodybuilding competitions. Arroyo’s doctor wrote that Arroyo couldn’t perform his duties as a building inspector due to his disabling back injury.
Arroyo placed eighth in the May 3 competition — two months after falling on the job and severely injuring his back, according to MyFOX Boston.
Arroyo’s lawyer told The Globe Friday that his client should not be forced to return to work because bodybuilding helps him cope with the “rigors” of his work.
But Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser disagreed: “It is common sense when you look at Mr. Arroyo that he is in better shape than most of the guys in the Boston Fire Department,” Fraser told MYFox TV last week. “To say that he can’t physically be an inspector in my opinion is ludicrous.”
Arroyo is expected to report to work today (7/21). (Source)
