Fireman Who Gave Billy Joel a Lift Faces Discipline Charges
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CLEVELAND — The leader of a city fire-rescue squad faces disciplinary action for giving an unauthorized lift to Billy Joel.
The singer was involved in a minor traffic accident March 17 on his way to a concert at the Richfield Coliseum, about 30 miles outside of Cleveland.
A fire rescue squad, led by Lt. Robert Readinger, responded to the call about the accident and Readinger agreed to give Joel a lift.
City officials say the squad, one of only four available for all of Cleveland, made an unauthorized run outside city limits.
The squad initially told a dispatcher it was taking a patient to a hospital, but later told the dispatcher where it was really headed, city Safety Director William Denihan said.
Readinger, who was notified of the charges Thursday, could receive a reprimand, suspension, reduction in rank or dismissal.
The lieutenant could not be reached for comment Friday.
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