Philadelphia Fire Union responds to sex investigation

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- On Friday Philadelphia Fire Union, Local 22, officials addressed the ongoing investigation into alleged sexual misconduct on city property.

The union says the Office of the Inspector General has accused 13 members of sexual misconduct involving a female paramedic.

Four allegedly had sexual relations with the young woman, including one battalion chief.

Union head Joe Schulle says, "The department has elected to charge one of our members with having sexual relations within a firehouse."

All of the sex was consensual and the other allegations involve sexual harassment.

Schulle says the Inspector General failed to provide a full report of the investigation, and redacted all the names except for the seven members now facing discipline.

"There is no legitimate reason why they won't give us the full report," Schulle said. "We can't speculate what they are covering up or hiding... but our perception is there is something they don't want us to see if they are not providing the full report."

Schulle says the female paramedic, who sources say is mentally troubled and suicidal, was forced by department brass to file an employment complaint after word began to spread about possible misconduct.

He says there's some indication it dates back to 2011.

The Mayor's Office had no comment, but Fire Commissioner Derrick Sawyer tells Action News it's a personnel matter that will go through the normal process.

The union expects the fire commissioner to hand down any sort of discipline within 30 days. Then those who are disciplined could appeal to the labor relations board and then take it to arbitration.