Local

Chief on suspended firefighter: ‘That's not who we are'

PITTSBURGH — A Pittsburgh firefighter was suspended and jailed Wednesday after being charged with sexually assaulting a child under 13, with allegations that date to 1996.

Chief Darryl Jones said Martin Flora, 48, has been suspended and he was arraigned Wednesday on charges including indecent assault and aggravated indecent assault.

“We’re truly shocked by the charges, and after receiving the background information on what the charges were and exactly what happened, I immediately recommended suspension,” Jones said.

According to the criminal complaint, Flora told one of the alleged victims that if she said anything to anybody, he would kill her.

The complaint also said the Flora told the alleged victim that “our business is our business.”

“I don’t want us being painted with a wide brush on this. This is not who we are. We don’t do this,” Jones said.

Jones said Flora faces a trial board hearing on his suspension. That board can also recommend that Flora be fired.

“People who are not in step with what our values are should not be a part of this bureau. Our values do not include intimidation, inflicting pain, abuse, humiliation or bullying. That’s not who we are,” Jones said.

Flora has been a city firefighter since 2001. The chief said Flora's alleged behavior is "against all that we stand for."

Flora, who worked out of Station 29 in Westwood, remained in the Allegheny County Jail because he couldn't post $200,000 bail.

He faces a preliminary hearing on Feb. 15.