The firefighters could be disciplined for violating department protocol when they allegedly allowed a civilian into the Engine 5 firehouse on Congress Street
NEWARK -- Two Newark firefighters are facing departmental charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a city firehouse last week, sources have confirmed.
According to multiple sources in the department, the firefighters could face discipline for allegedly violating department protocol when allowing a civilian into the firehouse. Both remain on active duty while investigators with the Arson Division probes the potential violations.
The department forbids civilians to enter the firehouse after certain hours, typically around 10 p.m., unless they are reporting an emergency, sources said. All visitors, including administrators and other members of the department, are required to be recorded by a captain or other firefighter placed in charge.
A fire department spokesman last week confirmed an Essex County Prosecutor's Office investigation into an allegation that at least one Newark firefighter sexually assaulted a woman inside the Engine 5 firehouse on Congress Street. When asked about the progress of the investigation Monday, the spokesman deferred questions to city communications director Felipe Luciano.
Reached by phone, Luciano said city officials would be have no comment on the allegation until it has been fully investigated.
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Both an internal probe and an investigation by the Essex County Prosecutor's Office into the incident remain active, which could result in additional disciplinary or criminal charges.
According to sources close to the probe, the alleged incident took place the evening of Nov. 11, after a woman ended up at the firehouse after attending an event downtown, the sources said.
Engine 5 is assigned to cover emergencies and other calls in the area, including the Prudential Center and Newark Penn Station. Firefighters in Newark typically work 24-hour shifts beginning at 8 a.m., with each engine staffed with a captain and four to five other department members.
Essex County Prosecutor's Office Chief Assistant Prosecutor Thomas Fennelly said last week that he could neither confirm nor deny any investigation into the alleged sexual assault.
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