SALISBURY, Md. (AP) — Authorities say an acting lieutenant with the Salisbury Fire Department has been charged with assault after he allegedly beat his neighbor.
The Wicomico Sheriff’s Office says 36-year-old Joe Derbyshire of Hebron was arrested Wednesday and charged with assault, reckless endangerment and false imprisonment.
The Daily Times of Salisbury reports that according to court documents, Liviu Costica borrowed his neighbor’s car on Saturday. The documents say Derbyshire, the car owner’s son-in-law, demanded in several phone calls that Costica return the vehicle.
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PUBLISHERS NOTES:
GUILTY BEFORE PROVEN INNOCENT!
While I cannot pass blame on the Daily Times, (for the most part) for their on line article on this story, (as you absolutely should know) it is one sided. They did NOT interview Joe, but there's a good reason why.
Mayor Jim Ireton has instructed Joe NOT to say a word to the Press, as sources, NOT JOE, have informed Salisbury News. I created the title above "Guilty before proven innocent" because Mayor Ireton and Chief Hoppes chose to suspended Joe.
While I personally feel that NO ONE should take the law into their own hands, (especially after the Zimmerman case) while I feel a Firefighter should absolutely know how to contact 911, the best results would have come from contacting the Police, period.
What the Press has not taken into account in this matter are the conditions. If they knew the OTHER SIDE they might not have been so quick to jump the gun. I know of a few City of Salisbury Employees who have been caught with serious indiscretions that would get most City Employees terminated immediately, two of them were promoted into much higher positions in the City of Salisbury.
There is more to this than meets the eye. The owner of the vehicle did NOT give permission for the alleged victim to drive the vehicle, therefore, (according to sources) the vehicle was stolen and NOT borrowed, as mentioned in the DT's article.
Placing Joe on suspension simply because the Daily Times pounded Jim Ireton for answers, (IMHO) was flat out wrong. Once the evidence comes out in this matter I truly believe Joe will be exonerated. Perhaps Joe isn't one of the "Good Ol' Boys" in the Fire Department, I truly don't know.
So the real question here should be, is it OK for an employer to play judge and jury BEFORE you have the chance to defend yourself, especially when those actions had nothing to do with your job?
It is my understanding Pocomoke Fire Department suspended Joe as well. Again, I am not condoning Joe's actions. He has NO criminal history, for what its worth. Here's another question worth asking, Do you believe this would have effected how Joe performs his professional job as a Firefighter?
If you happen to agree with the Mayor and Chief Hoppes decision, perhaps our viewers should mention ALL of the cases, (without mentioning names) in which you know of domestic abuse or arrests within the SFD, SPD and WCSO for starters, let alone all other departments and conditions, in which those employees were NOT suspended or terminated.
I know in the private sector, if one of my employees had been CHARGED with something, I would NOT have suspended them.
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
No one should be suspended (unless with pay) until they have been found guilty. 'costica family is pushing this probably so they can get some money out of this.
ReplyDeleteYes, the man should be suspended -- WITH PAY-- until this is cleared up. Happens all the time in Government & Private Business.
ReplyDeleteAs the Fire Chief how can Hoppes justify leaving the acting Lt. in his normal position? I would not have him in charge of a company either. 1st degree assault is a felony in MD and he should not be at work.
ReplyDeleteThey are CHARGES, not a conviction. Ask around about the HISTORY of the alleged victim.
ReplyDeleteZimmerman was CHARGED as well. Should HE have been placed on suspension with his job?
For all these people commenting that he should be suspended before trial...tell us what happened that night..who threw the first punch? You'd think that people would have learned from the Zimmerman trial but apparently not..
ReplyDeleteA known thief and drug addict tries to injure someone with a vehicle, and the other party gets charged for defending their self. Great county we live in.
ReplyDeleteJoe Derbyshire is a good man who is in a bad situation. Enough said.
ReplyDeleteWhy do I get the feeling that if he had not been suspended, this post would have been about him being protected by the good ole boy fire department and mayors office.
ReplyDeleteWhen you attack someone one...yep! That's part of the risk.
ReplyDeleteSo it's ok for the acting Lt.to continue to serve the public because he has been charged with felony assault, but the victim has a less than perfect history so it's ok he was beaten by a person the public should trust and have no reason to fear in times of need?
ReplyDeletePocomoke FD has nerve suspending anybody when they have a registered sex offender in their ranks that they protect.Look into it,Joe Albero.You will see I am right-his name is Kevin something.Scumbag.
ReplyDeleteTypo...Joe is not a member of the Pocomoke Fire Department. He is a member of Hebron Fire Department. And Yes give the man his due process....There are always two sides to the story.
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteThe allegations/evidence was substantial enough for the police to "Charge and Arrest him" SO in my opinion "Yes" suspend him pending an investigation. If you suspend someone with pay and they are guilty you will not be able to get the money paid back because they will never work again. Suspend without pay and give him back pay if found not guilty. I remind you he is only suspended for 1 week at this point.I assume to allow the SFD personnel to investigate the incident based on the evidence and move from there. If it's not validated bring him back to work and pay him backpay until he has his day in court...Just an opinion
Joe, don't listen to everything your source tells you. Of course he should be suspended with pay until the outcome of the trial. As much as I despise Hoppes and Ireton this is the right thing to do. Derbyshire is a liability to the City until he is cleared. We all know he is a nice guy and he will be cleared, but that doesn't mean he should continue to be working right now.
ReplyDeleteFood for thought!
ReplyDeleteYou know all those threats from the paid firemen threatening harm to you and your family as well as other readers of yours.
Well this arrest of a paid Salisbury Fireman for assault and reckless endangerment proves that the paid firemen have a violent side to them. The culture of the Salisbury Fire Department, especially under the "leadership" of Rick Hoppes is nothing less than violent. Obviously this guy has a bad temper. Are these the people you want to trust with your elderly parents or young children?
Unfortunately this guy will get off and get to keep his job. When that happens the City of Salisbury is a liability. He might be a nice guy, but he is still a threat and puts the City in a bad position.
I bet the Daily Times got the story from your Blog Joe. They need to put you on their payroll.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 4:45, Now I'm really ticked off. OK, so they suspended him for one week, as you say.
ReplyDeleteWhat right does Ireton and Hoppes have to PUNISH an employee without a conviction.
4:53 PM
ReplyDeleteHe is a paid fireman. Everyone knows their above the law.
He said She said. How did "Liviu Costica" get the keys to that car? Sounds like some more parts of this story needs to come out! Inquiring Minds Want To Know.
ReplyDeleteJoe,
ReplyDeleteYou asked for an opinion and I gave one...Not looking to argue I respect you and your opinion and I ask that you respect mine....
...What about the guy a few years back that was supposedly impersonating a police officer he was suspended, I think "allegations" such as 1st degree assault should be taken seriously. Q: What if they did nothing and a person did do as they were alleged and assaulted someone while on duty, isn't then the city liable as well for not looking into an issue that resulted in another person being hurt....
NOW with that being said, I don't believe this is the case with Mr. Derbyshire. I think all things at this level should be investigated and handled the same way across he board. If they do not do things fairly ..Well, that's another conversation.
I agree with 4:49 p.m
Anonymous said...
Joe, don't listen to everything your source tells you. Of course he should be suspended with pay until the outcome of the trial. As much as I despise Hoppes and Ireton this is the right thing to do. Derbyshire is a liability to the City until he is cleared. We all know he is a nice guy and he will be cleared, but that doesn't mean he should continue to be working right now.
August 3, 2013 at 4:49 PM
Mr. Albero,
ReplyDeleteDo you agree agree with any form of leave paid vs. unpaid...Or do you think he should be allowed due process and return to work immediately until the outcome of the case??
Was the Prince St School Principal suspended with or without pay following his memorable DUI? I assume he was suspended pending his exoneration.
ReplyDeleteSorry, folks, what he may or may not have done was a personal matter on personal time and had nothing to do with his job. There is absolutely no reason to destroy his public life and career until he is allowed due process, period. An then ONLY if he is guilty.
ReplyDeleteZimmerman was made to "prove his innocence" as well. All must understand this is NEVER to be the norm! "Innocent 'til proven guilty" is an American mainstay, and should be set in stone.
End of discussion.
Police officers that discharge their weapons, even in self defense, are put on paid administrative leave, until they are cleared by the investigative process. That's how it works.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWas the Prince St School Principal suspended with or without pay following his memorable DUI? I assume he was suspended pending his exoneration.
August 3, 2013 at 5:48 PM
Suspended with pay!
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteSorry, folks, what he may or may not have done was a personal matter on personal time and had nothing to do with his job. There is absolutely no reason to destroy his public life and career until he is allowed due process, period. An then ONLY if he is guilty.
Zimmerman was made to "prove his innocence" as well. All must understand this is NEVER to be the norm! "Innocent 'til proven guilty" is an American mainstay, and should be set in stone.
End of discussion.
August 3, 2013 at 5:48 PM
You obviously don't know anything about public safety employees. They have to be suspended with pay on these type of charges.
Joe let's say a firefighter gets arrested for murder and released on bond. Are you saying he should stay on the job until he is officially convicted or cleared?
ReplyDeleteLet's say a firefighter gets arrested for fondling and molesting a little boy. Are you saying he should stay on the job until he is convict or cleared?
Why would you give Jim Ireton the honor of calling him Mayor? We all know he doesn't deserve it. He is nothing more than on office girl and a third grade school teacher. He is worthless.
ReplyDeleteHe said She said. How did "Liviu Costica" get the keys to that car? Sounds like some more parts of this story needs to come out! Inquiring Minds Want To Know.
ReplyDeleteAugust 3, 2013 at 5:06 PM
you are exactly right how did liviu get the keys because joes mother in law gave liviu permission to use HER VEHICLE. she has allowed him to do so multiple times. Because it was not Joes car he had no business doing what he did considering the fact that his little daughter was spending the night two houses down at Livius parents house. He is supposed to be a role model citizen and set examples for the young kids . He told Liviu to bring the car back and liviu did so, when he got to his mother in laws house, Joe decided to take action and beat the S##T out of him in front of a 4 year old girl. He has no excuse none at all. He knows better how to handle situations like this. He should have called the police right away if Liviu really stole the vehicle or when he dropped his daughter off at livius residence two houses down he should have asked his parents where he was with the car. Doesnt that tell you something about the situation. And in this case it dosent matter if it went to court yet or not Joe knows whats WRONG is WRONG.
If a vehicle was stolen why didnt he call the police and report it before he assaulted a 22 year old. Obviously there is more to the story than what Joe Albero or Daily Times are saying. Because Joe Albero was not the first to post this the daily times was. Sorry but his job or his pay is meaningless when it comes to someones well being and safety. Being above the law and taking matters into your own hands should be punished as such. Cant wait to see what the verdict will be in the court of law. Joe has no excuse for doing what he did and i hope he looses his job and his dignity for what he did. A real man that cares about his children would not do that. He has been charged with false imprisonment which means Liviu had no chance at all to defend himself he was held down and kicked in the head and stomach that is not how you handle a situation thats how THUGS FROM THE FIRE DEP handle situations. JOE DERBYSHIRE lines his pockets with money from three of our communities SALISBURY,HEBRON and Pocomoke. The minute he broke the law he should have turned himself in or called the police. But that was not the case because the police did not get involved until 4 days later when Liviu pressed charges, obviously Joe had no intention in getting the cops involved because he knew what he did was wrong. What a model citizen firefighter we have here, wow .
ReplyDeleteSome of you are as bad as those screaming racism during the Zimmerman trial. Your rants change to suit your agenda. If Derbyshire were not liked, you would want him hung.
ReplyDeleteHe was one of Jeff Simpson's boys!
ReplyDeleteFor crying out loud! This was a simply case of a neighbor stealing another neighbor's car. He brought it back, didn't he? Same goes for your wife and kids. Don't lock the door. I'm sure they will be brought back too.. afterwards.
ReplyDeleteAugust 3, 2013 at 7:13 PM
ReplyDeleteRight on the money!!
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteFor crying out loud! This was a simply case of a neighbor stealing another neighbor's car. He brought it back, didn't he? Same goes for your wife and kids. Don't lock the door. I'm sure they will be brought back too.. afterwards.
August 3, 2013 at 8:01 PM
I'm not sure what your point is?
Who is one of Simpsons boys?
ReplyDeleteSee it's the normal thing to do when a firefighter gets in trouble!!
ReplyDeleteConn. Firefighter Demoted After Shoplifting Charges
Greg Smith
Source: The Day, New London, Conn.
Created: August 3, 2013
Lt. Rocco Basilica was arrested on charges he shoplifted several items from the University of Connecticut Co-op Bookstore.
Aug. 02--NEW LONDON -- Mayor Daryl Justin Finizio today announced he has demoted fire Lt. Rocco Basilica to a "Step 6" firefighter following Basilica's arrest on charges he shoplifted several items from the University of Connecticut Co-op Bookstore.
The demotion was the result of a departmental disciplinary review process that began after the city's administration became aware of the June 25 arrest, Finizio said.
The disciplinary action was taken only after Basilica, at Rockville Superior Court, was approved for accelerated rehabilitation. If he successfully completes the program and abides by the rules of a probationary period, charges will be dismissed. The probationary period is slated to end on Jan. 28, according to the court.
Basilica, who is president of the city's Firefighters Union Local 1522, is able to return to work but will not be eligible to compete in promotional testing until he completes the probationary period. Prior to his suspension, Basilica was slated to leave work on workers' compensation.
"We hold all members of public safety departments to a high standard," Finizio said. "This action was the appropriate one to ensure that our standards are met and are the same for all members of our Fire Department."
Basilica was suspended on July 23 after it came to light that UConn police charged Basilica and his wife with sixth-degree larceny. According to a UConn arrest log, Basilica allegedly left the store without paying for a total of $81.93 worth of items.
The report said that Basilica left with a key chain valued at $6.99, a pair of socks priced at $4.99, a plastic cup worth $10.99, two key chains valued at $4.99 and two T-shirts, one worth $23.99 and the other $24.99.
Basilica, who joined the fire department in 1996, was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in February.
Copyright 2013 - The Day, New London, Conn.
There is more to this than meets the eye. The owner of the vehicle did NOT give permission for the alleged victim to drive the vehicle, therefore, (according to sources) the vehicle was stolen and NOT borrowed,
ReplyDeletejoe albero how in the h e double hockey sticks do you know if the car was stolen or not were you at the house when the keys were handed to liviu? where you at the house multiple times befor when she handed the keys to liviu? do you know the relationship between these people. no i dont think yo do so befor you go pointing fingers i think you should know the true story and from the looks of it because joe is sucH a high ranking official his family is going to lie and do anything they can to save his a$$ becuse they know what he did was wrong. maybe one of the good ol boys messed with the wrong one this time. who knows how many other people joe derbyshire has put his hands on before because he ws frustrated with his home life and felt like taking it out on someone. i wonder how many other people hes done this too and havent said anything because they were scared and hes a fire FIGHTER!!!!!!!!! AND ID REALLY LIKE TO KNOW HOW YOU CAME TO THE CONCLUSION OF HIM NOT HAVING PERMISSION. last time i checked you werent a judge either
Who promoted him to Acting Lieutenant? Simpson or Hoppes?
ReplyDeleteBoth are worthless pieces of excrement!
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteWho is one of Simpsons boys?
August 3, 2013 at 8:52 PM
Derbyshire
Don't know any of the parties involved but from a HR standpoint the suspension is a good neutral first step.
ReplyDeleteEmployer policy and practice should govern if suspension is with pay, and for how long.
Employers are responsible to provide a safe workplace; employee arrested for felony assault away from work still puts that workplace safety in doubt.
Nature of his basic job and his rank hold him to higher standard than John Doe from any other type of job. Also the public safety fraternity would have responded rapidly if he'd have called in a complaint.
No fan of city leadership but so far they appear to be acting judiciously. Maybe they started to get and take some legal advice after the last impromptu firing!
The fact that he had the keys in his possession and brought the car back to the owner's driveway is a pretty clear indication he had no intention of stealing the car. It's also pretty clear that this car use in exchange for odd jobs setup his mother in law has with this kid (who Derbyshire obviously loathes) is driving Derbyshire absolutely batsh*t with fury.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I'm going to bet the kid had implied permission to use the car but he stayed out later than the mother in law anticipated and that's when Derbyshire started with the demands to return. The kid probably gave Derbyshire some push back attitude over these demands and that's when Derbyshire lost his mind.
I think I'll put my money on that.
This proves that the threats the paid firemen have made are real. This is a violent person and he got busted. I am surprised he wasn't charged with attempted murder. Sounds like he tried to kill that guy.
ReplyDeleteThere were layoffs at the Daily Times on Friday. Not sure why you haven't covered that, Joe. Hundreds across the Gannett group were layed off including people in Salisbury. As more and more and more cuts are made in the news reporters and editors, more mistakes and a lack of important questions will continue.
ReplyDeleteAndrei is correct. Why can not the newspaper crew call and ask questions? Why just publish the press news release from the police? Doesnt the newspaper have a responsibility to ask the questions we the people might ask if we had the same access?
ReplyDeleteTom Claybaugh strikes again.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a bunch of 'trailer park trash' to me.
ReplyDeleteDrugs make people do funny things!
ReplyDeleteMyrtle Beach Manor!
ReplyDeleteanonymous 5:06, he knew where they keys were because he borrowed the car once before, with permission.
ReplyDeleteanonymous 5:20, I most certainly do believe in suspending an employee with or without pay. However, I believe it should be job related. in other words, on the job. If a City employee is tested for drugs and comes up positive, if an employee is caught drinking on the job, those sorts of things, they should be suspended or terminated, according do the Charter or Handbook.
Each case is somewhat selective. For example, if this had been a Police Officer, I would instantly agree with Ireton. A Police Officer is professionally trained for these kind of situations and should be held to a higher standard. If this were a case where a Firefighter took it upon himself to put out a fire at a neighbors house without calling 911 and or doing so without the proper equipment, he/she should be suspended. A Firefighter racing to the scene of a fire and not on duty, yes, they should be suspended.
As I mentioned in my article, no one is above the law. 911 should have been called.
anonymous 5:48, was Davis Ruark suspended when he got his DUI/DWI? NO.
anonymous 6:32, Don't be ridiculous. Let's hope that if a Firefighter was charged with murder they wouldn't get released from jail at any cost. As for your second question, that's a tough one. I can see where the Mayor would more than likely suspend someone for that situation because in most cases there probably would be children in a home. Firefighters should be held to a higher standard when it comes to children. Children are raised to fully respect Police Officers and Firefighters, so yes, I believe they should be suspended in a case like that.
anonymous 7:04, complete BS. The owner of the vehicle had NO IDEA her vehicle was missing. She was out of town that day with a friend who drove her there.
anonymous 7:13, you have every right to your opinion and I thank you for your comment. The only thing I'd challenge is your implying I might be upset the Daily Times had the story up first. I am very proud of the Daily Times for exposing this story. Come on now, we all know they usually stay away from these kind of things. The public should be made aware of it, right or wrong. The Daily Times usually doesn't publish this kind of story because, (as they claim) they want BOTH sides of the story before they publish it. In this case they ran with it with only one side, yet as factual as they could provide. So no, I am not upset at all that they ran with it first.
anonymous 7:20, So What! Clearly your a disgruntled Firefighter. So much for, "YOU GO, I GO" and BROTHERHOOD. You Firefighter know absolutely nothing about Brotherhood and will stab one of your own in the back instantaneously. What a shame.
anonymous 10:41, so what else is new. When I started Salisbury News 9 years ago the DT's had over 200 employees. I warned them if they didn't publish the TRUTH, (in which I had hundreds of pages of official documents proving animal abuse at the Zoo, I'd start my own paper and compete with them). Their response was, "we love competition". Now they are down to around 15 employees, (so I'm told) and if they had another layoff, it's their own fault.
Again, I thank all of you for your opinions. My article, (I believe) is very fair and asks a lot of questions. You have responded, making this a well balanced thread.
anonymous 5:48, was Davis Ruark suspended when he got his DUI/DWI? NO.
ReplyDeleteYou are comparing apples to oranges and Davis Ruark was elected. The only boss he had was the voters and they fired him the next election.
From the City of Salisbury Employee Hand Book
ReplyDelete0802 Rules of Conduct
Employees engaging in misconduct, unsatisfactory work performance or unsatisfactory behavior will be
disciplined. A single serious infraction or a series of lesser infractions may be grounds for dismissal. It
is impossible to list each and every circumstance under which disciplinary action or termination can
result. The list below is intended to be a partial listing only and in no way limits the authority to
discipline employees for an unlisted reason.
The following types of misconduct are examples of infractions which
- Conviction of a criminal offense or the commission of a criminal or non-criminal act of
such nature that the individual's credibility or moral character would render the employee
unfit, undesirable or unacceptable as a City employee. This does not preclude the right
of the City to discipline, even though the employee is not formally charged or convicted
of a criminal offense or the commission of a non-criminal act;
Joe this is a GREAT article. Your journalism is INCREDIBLE!
ReplyDeleteIreton's indiscretions -- and those involving Derbyshire and Chambers are just the latest to become public -- will bankrupt Salisbury and already have made it the laughingstock of Maryland.
ReplyDeleteHappy in Hebron
Good point about Ruark not being suspended Joe.
ReplyDeleteAs far as 11:02's "apples to oranges" statement - did not Ruark jeopardize the lives of many drivers when he was driving drunk? Do you honestly deem that lost lives are unimportant?
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteGood point about Ruark not being suspended Joe.
As far as 11:02's "apples to oranges" statement - did not Ruark jeopardize the lives of many drivers when he was driving drunk? Do you honestly deem that lost lives are unimportant?
August 4, 2013 at 12:01 PM
It is apples to oranges any way you look at it. Yes he did jeopardize other drivers. You can't tell me you haven't done something to jeopardizes others on the road. Davis got busted because a jealous state trooper husband was stalking him.
Anonymous said...
ReplyDeleteIreton's indiscretions -- and those involving Derbyshire and Chambers are just the latest to become public -- will bankrupt Salisbury and already have made it the laughingstock of Maryland.
Happy in Hebron
August 4, 2013 at 11:53 AM
The city did the right thing with Derbyshire read the last paragraph posted by 11:33 from the employee handbook.
11:53 Jim will have his served on a silver plate. It's all in due time.
ReplyDeleteThis guy committed a criminal act and he should be punished for it. He knows better than to assault someone. It wasn't his car and none of his business. If he gets convicted he needs to be dismissed from the Salisbury Fire Department.
ReplyDeleteHe is an EMT. Has he or anyone advised MIEMSS of his arrest? He is required by law to notify them.
ReplyDeleteHoppes is a worthless piece of excrement. He has no idea how to run a lemonade stand much less a fire department. Nice leadership you have there CHEEF! Gordo was a better leader than that clown!
ReplyDeleteAnonymous said...
ReplyDelete11:53 Jim will have his served on a silver plate. It's all in due time.
August 4, 2013 at 2:04 PM
What is that?
Joe is a good firefighter and paramedic. I have seen him work feverishly saving people's lives. I think you guys are crucifying him for something he did on his own personal time. He was not on duty at the time. I have known Joe a long time and I've never seen him become violent. . Please give this a chance to be heard out both sides before you guys make your judgment of him.
ReplyDeleteI agree with 11:46.This is excellent journalism.However,the full focus of the specific topic was lost when commenters were encouraged to recall additional violations by the SFD or other Departments.If this could be isolated to Joe and Joe alone the commenters would chime in without being asked.Those who comment on this site certainly know what to contribute without being prompted.Great journalism neverthe less.
ReplyDeleteI do not think that the Prince St. principal was suspended with or without pay.
ReplyDeleteThe victim in this case was Joe even though the verdict didn't reflect that. The alleged victim, Liviu, is a drug addicted piece of trash who deserved what he got. The only reason the cops were notified was because he went to the ER seeking Narcotics, multiple times! When I grew up in Hebron, you knew almost everyone that lived in town. A lot of trash has moved in since then, including Liviu and his mother.
ReplyDeleteAndrei Liviu Costica is my cousin, and a great and funny guy. We're Romanian so it is perfectly normal to behave the way we do. He is absolutely not an drug addicted piece of trash. He quit drugs 2 years ago and is working hard at a normal job helping his family: mother, sisters, and step-father. No one deserves to be treated like that just because they're Romanian.
ReplyDelete