Allegations Of Overtime Abuse In DC Fire And EMS Department

WASHINGTON - There are new allegations of overtime abuse in the D.C. Fire and EMS Department. It comes at a time when the city is strapped for cash.

One firefighter has earned more than $300,000 with the overtime he earned, more than three times his base salary.

Last year, 25 firefighters racked up more than a million dollars in overtime.

FOX 5 has found one person, a commanding officer, who has earned overtime nearly every pay period in the last two years. The firefighter has earned nearly $100,000 in overtime each year.

At times, Lt. Richard Lehan has racked up 90 hours of overtime when others complain they are getting very little. Documents show at least two other firefighters earned $100,000 in overtime last year.

These documents obtained by FOX 5 show that since 2008, Lehan stands out as one of the top overtime earners in the department.

According to payroll records, Lehan has worked nearly 2,500 hours in overtime since 2009. It shows month after month, Lehan is averaging 45 hours of overtime per pay period. Department policy dictates that there should be no more than 36 hours overtime per pay period.

D.C. Council Member Phil Mendelson wants accountability and says it is overtime abuse at its worst.

GO HERE to read more.