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Dispute Grows Over Expense of Firefighter Funerals

Thousands of people attended the funerals for Firefighter Jonathan S. Croom and Lt. Charles W.

“This is just another way of the city disrespecting [firefighters],” he said.

Cunningham vowed to write letters to donors informing them of the city’s refusal to honor its obligations. He said no contract or other written document prohibits the city from reimbursing alcohol-related expenses.

Firefighter Jonathan S. Croom and Lt. Charles W. “Chip” McCarthy Jr. were killed last summer battling a three-alarm blaze at an East Side deli. Thousands of people attended their funerals, including hundreds of firefighters who traveled from other regions.

Darryl McPherson, the city’s chief auditor, said officials were eager to work with the fire union to resolve the dispute.

If, for example, the union has other funeral expenses that are not alcohol-related, they can be submitted for reimbursement under the $25,000 expense limit, he said.