LAS VEGAS -- Two years after Channel 8 began an investigation into Clark County firefighter sick pay abuse, major changes are happening at the department. Taxpayers are set to save several million dollars as the number of firefighter sick days plummet.
Clark County Fire battalion chiefs reported 90 percent fewer sick days than two years ago, yet there are no indications the department is 90 percent healthier. County officials say this highlights just how large the problem of sick leave abuse had become.
Sick leave decreased 57,000 hours compared to 2009 and firefighter sick leave decreased by 40 percent.
Firefighters Make Thousands in Overtime Pay
"(It is) 28 years worth of work when you figure 2,040 hours a year. That's an enormous amount of compensation that was paid out there. The goodness is the taxpayers are going to benefit to the tune of several million dollars a year," said County Commissioner Steve Sisolak.
In previous reporter, 8 News NOW revealed how the system was cheated. Calendars were posted showing who would call in sick so others could collect call back pay. Battalion chiefs called it "the sick roster." One chief alone got $80,000 in overtime.
Fourteen Clark County Fire Department employees were scrutinized. Most have since retired. The FBI and Metro Police continue the investigation they started several months ago.
In the future, the firefighters' new contract requires a "Certificate of Illness," the proverbial doctor's note, when calling out sick.
Clark County Firefighter Fired Over Sick Leave Abuse
Clark County Fire Union President Ryan Beaman declined to be interviewed, but released a statement reading, "Local 1908 has always fully supported any disciplinary actions that have been placed on the few abusers of our system. Saving our community's lives and money is a priority. We take fighting fires seriously and abuse will not be tolerated."
From online threats to union political opposition, Commissioner Sisolak feels vindicated at raising the issue.
"I was vilified by some of the supporters, I guess, those who participated in this. It's important that all firefighters didn't do it. I think the misuse was a little higher than any of us even anticipated," he said.
Clark County Fire Chief Bertral Washington was unavailable for an interview today. Clark county will release more pay numbers with a full report next week.
