Cleveland firefighters swap shifts, miss training

CLEVELAND (AP) — Some Cleveland firefighters caught in a shift-swapping scandal apparently missed required training while paying others to work for them.

Mayor Frank Jackson tells The Plain Dealer he believes the city is protected because firefighters keep their skills up by responding to emergencies. He has ordered a departmental investigation.

An outside investigator has recommended charging five firefighters with illegally paying colleagues to work their shifts while continuing to collect salaries and benefits. All five were credited for training sessions held during shifts they paid others to work on their behalf.

One firefighter was off the job but during that time claimed nearly half of the 54 continuing education hours the state requires.

Their union president says most firefighters take advantage of online course offerings to meet continuing-education requirements.