The Boston Fire Department ordered a firefighter to return to work Monday after he was caught competing in a bodybuilding contest while he was on disability leave for a back injury.
Fire officials believe 46-year-old Albert Arroyo can do his job inspecting buildings as a member of the Fire Prevention Division, according to a department spokesman.
Arroyo competed in the bodybuilding competition six weeks after he claimed he suffered a career-ending injury, The Boston Globe reported last week. His doctor wrote that Arroyo should be granted an accidental disability retirement because he is totally and permanently disabled.
Arroyo's lawyer told The Globe Friday that Arroyo should follow his doctor's instructions and not return to work. He said he has not met with Arroyo since the order.
Bodybuilding helped the firefighter cope with the "rigors" of the job, his attorney said.
Arroyo placed eighth in the May 3 competition — two months after falling on the job and severely injuring his back, according to MyFOX Boston.
"It is common sense when you look at Mr. Arroyo that he is in better shape than most of the guys in the Boston Fire Department," Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser told the station earlier this week. "To say that he can't physically be an inspector in my opinion is ludicrous."
Until Arroyo was ordered back to work, he was collecting his full pay while out on sick leave, according to MyFOX Boston. He is required to come in on Monday.
Click here to read more on this story from MyFOXBoston.com.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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