Warwick Councilman raises alarm over sick time abuse in Fire Department

The Warwick City Council meeting on July 7, 2025, highlighted significant concerns regarding the Warwick Fire Department's sick leave practices and a recent incident involving a Department of Public Works (DPW) supervisor.

During the public comment segment, Rob Cody, a council member from Ward 7, raised alarming issues about the Fire Department, revealing that nearly 1,700 sick days were taken in 2024. Cody accused certain employees of abusing the sick leave system, suggesting that they were not genuinely ill but rather exploiting the system. He expressed frustration over the lack of action taken against these individuals and announced plans to publicly name the top offenders in the following month.

Cody also addressed a troubling incident involving a DPW supervisor who allegedly assaulted a subordinate. He claimed that human resources pressured the victim not to pursue criminal charges. Cody criticized the council's response, noting that the supervisor had not been terminated despite previous misconduct, including drinking on the job. He called for accountability and urged the victim to seek legal counsel.

In addition to these serious allegations, the meeting included discussions about a claim from a resident, Brenda Caracuzzo, who sought reimbursement for tire damage caused by a pothole. The claim was initially denied due to late submission, but after deliberation, the council voted to approve a $98 reimbursement, acknowledging the confusion surrounding the claim's timing.

The meeting concluded with a return to the finance committee, but the discussions underscored ongoing concerns about management practices within city departments and the need for greater accountability to taxpayers. The council's actions and decisions in response to these issues will be closely watched by the community.