Two former New York City Fire Department Chiefs, Anthony Saccavino and Brian Cordasco, were arrested in September 2023 for allegedly soliciting bribes between 2021 and 2023. The charges include bribery, corruption, and false statements, with both chiefs expected to be released on $250,000 bail.
Saccavino and Cordasco are accused of accepting tens of thousands of dollars to give preferential treatment in the FDNY’s Bureau of Fire Prevention. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Damian Williams vowed to root out corruption, and authorities continue to investigate possible connections to other cases.
Both defense attorneys reacted by defending the men’s legacies, emphasizing their long service in the fire department. Saccavino pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges and will be sentenced in May, while Cordasco pleaded guilty in October and is scheduled for sentencing in March.
The case has raised concerns about public trust, with officials noting the serious implications of such corruption in fire safety services. The investigation was triggered by the FDNY, with continued collaboration from the FBI and DOI.
