Mass. Doctor Says He Didn’t Know Firefighter Was Bodybuilder

July 22, 2008

The doctor who determined that a bodybuilding Boston firefighter could not work because he is “totally and permanently” disabled has made similar recommendations for other firefighters.

The Boston Globe reports that since 2001 Dr. John F. Mahoney has seen 25 firefighters whose injuries he determined to be so severe that the city should award them accidental disability pensions.

Twenty-one have had their disability pensions approved.

The city’s fire commissioner and Mayor Tom Menino have both expressed outrage that firefighter Albert Arroyo has participated in bodybuilding contests even though he claims his injuries prevent him from working.

Mahoney says he did not know Arroyo was a bodybuilder when he examined him and says he now looks “foolish.”

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Information from: The Boston Globe, http://www.boston.com/globe