Three former and current volunteer firefighters have filed a lawsuit against an ex-New Jersey police officer and fire official, accusing him of subjecting them to abuse under the guise of training exercises.
According to the 95-page complaint, obtained by NJ Advanced Media, Robert Sinnott would often carry out this abuse at the firehouse in Toms River, in full view of other members with Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1. It allegedly included handcuffing and groping trainees during police reenactments and simulations, and it was not uncommon for the exercises to turn violent and sexually explicit.
Sinnott, who served as a police officer in Island Heights for more than 20 years before moving to Toms River, was also the assistant chief with Silverton Volunteer Fire Company #1. His accusers claimed he used his leadership roles to groom and subject them to ongoing harassment, adding that his background in law enforcement enabled him to avoid getting into any legal trouble. What’s more, any effort the plaintiffs made to report the abuse was met with retaliation and sometimes even efforts to conceal the allegations.
“For over two decades, Sinnott preyed upon young volunteer firefighters, with full knowledge — and inaction — by district leadership,” the complaint states.
In addition to Sinnott, the lawsuit also names the Toms River and Silverton fire departments, as well as several local officials, accusing them of negligence, assault, civil rights violations, and a coordinated cover-up effort.
The firefighters who filed suit are seeking compensatory and punitive damages for what they called years of “emotional trauma, professional setbacks, and psychological distress.”
