Troubled Peabody firefighter puts job back in jeopardy

PEABODY – Not even a month after being put back on the payroll, Peabody firefighter John Brophy Jr. has found himself suspended without pay for 12 days. He will stand before Mayor Michael Bonfanti in a hearing scheduled for Friday, May 20 to determine his future with the department.Fire Chief Steven Pasdon said he saw no other option when it came to his decision to suspend Brophy, who has yet to hold up his end of the bargain associated with his recent reinstatement to the department.Bonfanti originally fired Brophy three years ago for sleeping through an emergency 911 call, nearly costing the life of a 6-month-old baby. A Massachusetts Appeals Court overruled Bonfanti’s decision on March 19, claiming the punishment was too harsh, and ordered Brophy’s reinstatement with back pay.According to Pasdon, Brophy was placed on administrative leave to “get things in order” and appeared back on the payroll Sunday, April 13, but has not appeared for work. In order to become a full-time, active firefighter, which was what Brophy fought long and hard for, he has to fulfill certain obligations set forth by the city and the local firefighters union, said Pasdon, adding that Brophy has yet to do so.”As the appointed authority, as the Fire Chief, I have to make sure (Brophy) adheres to certain things,” said Pasdon. “I was unable to successfully negotiate his return.”Pasdon, feeling he had no other option, chose to suspend Brophy on three different violations for a total of 12 days, which he began serving on April 30 and will continue to serve until May 19.”I ordered him in here for an investigative interview,” said Pasdon. “I asked him to cooperate with something – we’ll leave it at that – and he failed to do what I asked?That’s what is bringing the hearing before the mayor.”Pasdon said he has tried contacting Brophy on several occasions, both by phone and by letters, to determine why he’s not cooperating, but has yet to heard back.The matter will now stand before Bonfanti, who has the authority to decided whether Brophy remains a part of the Fire Department, or if he’ll be forced to leave for good.Neither Bonfanti nor Brophy were not available for comment Monday.