Albert Arroyo
Boston fire-prevention inspector Albert Arroyo took eighth place in a bodybuilding contest on May 3, 2008, six weeks after being awarded accidental disability retirement for a back injury.1 A video of the competition was discovered by fire department authorities when they searched the Internet for Arroyo's name.
Fast Facts
- Annual salary: $68,1331
- Weight lifting done under doctor's recommendation2
- Took eighth place in 2008 Pro Natural American Championships3
- 1999: Made first claim for injured back4
- Made at least four claims for injured back since 20024
- Appealing retirement board's decision to revoke disability pension4
- Boston firefighters on disability retirement receive 72% of their salary, tax free5
- Boston fire department under federal investigation for history of possibly fraudulent disability claims1
Disability Claim
The 46-year-old Arroyo supported his disability claim with a doctor's note stating he was "totally and permanently disabled."1 Arroyo declared that injuries from a March 2008 fall down firehouse steps aggravated an existing back problem and prevented him from carrying out firefighting duties. He works as a fire prevention building inspector.6
After looking into the case, the fire department has determined the injury was not work-related and has placed Arroyo on regular sick leave pending further investigation.7
Quote
- "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...to say that he can't physically be an inspector in my opinion is ludicrous."—Roderick Fraser, Boston Fire Commissioner8
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