Double-life fireman on hot seat over job

LYNN – The city’s acting fire chief said Wednesday that fire department administrators are examining firefighter Michael Ortiz’ employment status in light of his second arrest in the past month.Ortiz, 45, was arrested Aug. 19 for two counts of assault and battery and again Monday for violating a restraining order.Acting Fire Chief James Carritte said Oritz’ employment status has been “undergoing review and discussion over the past several days” and officials are “re-examining his status as a firefighter.”However, Carritte noted Wednesday that Ortiz is still on active duty.”As of today he is on regular status as a working firefighter,” Carritte said.City Personnel Director Joseph Driscoll said Tuesday that the city’s Residency Compliance Commission is waiting for the outcome of the assault and battery case against Ortiz to play out in court, which would likely take several months. During Ortiz’ first arrest, his former girlfriend told police Ortiz falsely claimed to live with her in Lynn so he could comply with a residency requirement to keep his job.Ortiz had been found seven months ago to be living with his wife in Medford and was required to move into Lynn or lose his job.Ortiz was suspended from the fire department for two days in March for an undisclosed incident.