Albert Arroyo

Boston fire-prevention inspector Albert Arroyo took eighth place in a bodybuilding contest on May 3, 2008, six weeks after being awarded accidental disability retirement for a back injury.The Boston Globe: On Injury Leave, Firefighter Stood Out As Bodybuilder (July 14, 2008) A video of the competition was discovered by fire department authorities when they searched the Internet for Arroyo's name.

The 46-year-old Arroyo supported his disability claim with a doctor's note stating he was "totally and permanently disabled."The Boston Globe: On Injury Leave, Firefighter Stood Out As Bodybuilder (July 14, 2008) Arroyo declared that injuries from a March 2008 fall down firehouse steps aggravated an existing back problem and prevented him from carrying out firefighting duties. He works as a fire prevention building inspector.WBZ (Boston): Boston Firefighter On Disability Also A Bodybuilder (July 14, 2008)

After looking into the case, the fire department has determined the injury was not work-related and has placed Arroyo on regular sick leave pending further investigation.The Boston Globe: Firefighter on Disability, Competes in Bodybuilding Contest (Time: 2:48)

• "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...to say that he can't physically be an inspector in my opinion is ludicrous."—Roderick Fraser, Boston Fire CommissionerFOX News: 'Disabled' Boston Firefighter Caught Competing as Bodybuilder (July 15, 2008)