The political powers of Yonkers are trying to keep the public from knowing much, if anything, about a bizarre fist fight that broke out between the city’s fire commissioner and one of his officers.
This happened at a YFD Christmas party held on the evening of Dec. 11 at the Fairways, a catering hall at the county-owned Dunwoodie golf course in Yonkers.
Police investigated the incident. Witnesses were interviewed, including five Fairways employees. The investigation was thorough — and it has been confirmed that no criminal charges were filed.
However, the police report was turned over to the city Human Resources Department. That means it’s a personnel matter – which often is municipal code for “circle the wagons.” It's not exactly a cover-up, but it still smells.
Bits and pieces of information have gotten out, anyway — and one story making the rounds suggests that Fire Commissioner John Darcy, who was sworn into office only nine months ago and is paid an annual salary of $180,000, overreacted to a perceived slight.
According to this unofficial version of events, Fire Lieutenant Michael O’Connor tried to get the attention of a staff worker by tying a linen napkin into a knot and throwing it at her. Only he missed and hit Darcy in the back of his head.