Cops: Boston fireman makes death threats against department
Credit: Nicolaus Czarnecki/METRO
A veteran Boston firefighter was issued a court summons by police for allegedly making death threats against the department in which he referenced the recent deadly rampage of former LAPD Officer Christopher Dorner.
Firefighter Kenneth Veiga was placed on administrative leave with pay once the department learned of the allegations, said Steve MacDonald, a fire department spokesman. Veiga is a 24-year department veteran, MacDonald said.
Police were called to fire department headquarters just before 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Officers met with a department commander and a union representative who told police they called Veiga by phone to check on his well being. During the call, Veiga said he was upset with the department’s doctor and was concerned about not having the opportunity to see his own doctor before returning to work, police said. MacDonald said Veiga was not out injured and was an active firefighter before being placed on leave.
Police said Veiga made several threatening statements, including smashing a fire truck into a wall.
“I am Army trained and have weapons and ammunitions in a storage locker. Dorner will be child’s play,” police said quoting Veiga. Dorner is the former LAPD officer who was upset with losing his job and killed four people, including two law enforcement officers, before taking his own life during a standoff and gun battle with police.
Veiga made more than $92,000 in 2011, according to city payroll records.
As a result of the investigation so far, police issued Veiga a summons to appear in court next month.
Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.
