A state court on Monday said the City Commission did not engage in nepotism by promoting the mayor’s son over another qualified firefighter.
Firefighter Daniel Dunn, in a complaint to the Civil Service Commission, said he was bypassed for the promotion in 2013 in favor of Ernie Troiano III because Troiano is the son of Mayor Ernie Troiano Jr.
Dunn was one of four people who took a Civil Service exam to be considered for the promotion. He scored highest of the four candidates at 94.48. Troiano finished second with a score of 93.57.
Dunn also cited his education, which includes a bachelor’s degree in fire science and a master’s degree in public safety management. Dunn said his promotion was endorsed by the city’s fire chief.
Commissioner Anthony Leonetti, who oversees public safety, made the promotion. In court papers, Leonetti defended his decision, saying he was not swayed by the fact that Troiano’s father was the mayor. Leonetti said the city’s fire chief wrote a letter of recommendation for Dunn — as did Mayor Troiano.
But Leonetti said the younger Troiano performed extra work without seeking overtime and had a better attitude than Dunn. Leonetti said Troiano was highly regarded by the rank-and-file firefighters. He said both men were equally experienced, having been hired on the same day.