Findings expected soon in Philadelphia firefighter sex investigation

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Action News has learned the Philadelphia Inspector General's Office has finished an investigation into alleged sexual activity involving a female paramedic and a number of male firefighters, with its findings expected to be released soon.

The alleged activity occurred while participants were on duty at several fire stations.

Sources say a young female paramedic filed a Equal Employment Opportunity complaint alleging sexual misconduct.

It was soon learned that the paramedic had sexual encounters with more than a dozen firefighters and paramedics in city firehouses and ambulances, both on and off duty.

A source says that two battalion chiefs are among those who had sex with the paramedic, whose name we are not releasing because of the sensitivity of the allegations.

A source says the sex was consensual, but the paramedic felt pressured. A source also tells Action News the woman has evidence of the alleged misconduct.

Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer referred questions to the mayor's office. We caught up with Mayor Michael Nutter who said he couldn't talk about the matter.

"It's a personnel matter, we'll go through the regular course of business. We have to sort through what's been alleged and try to figure out how to go forward in a reasonable, responsible manner," he said.

Sources say after filing the complaint, the case was referred to the Philadelphia Police detectives. They interviewed the paramedic, sources said, who told them she didn't want police involvement.

The case was then referred to the Office of the Inspector General. It completed its investigation, but the results have not been released. Local 22, which represents firefighters and paramedics, released a statement that reads:

"We are aware of the Inspector General's investigation, but cannot comment as we do not know the specifics of the allegations or the conclusions drawn in the I.G.'s report."

Attempts to reach the paramedic at the center of the sex scandal have been unsuccessful. Sources expect the Inspector General's report to be released next week.