Bravest ‘rape’ haze
Disturbing testimony of black fire probie
A black FDNY rookie says he was “terrified” that a fellow firefighter would rape him after a homoerotic hazing by naked Bravest, explosive court papers reveal.
Firefighter Gordon Springs, 28, said in a deposition filed in court how he was “sexually assaulted” and humiliated on May 4, 2015, his first day at Ladder Co. 35/Engine Co. 40 near Lincoln Center, a squad dubbed “The Cavemen.”
Springs and three other probies fresh out of the Fire Academy were ushered to the gym where firefighter Peter Grillo “gave me an aggressive push” and whispered, “This house is really gay,” Springs said.
When he saw that all the firefighters were naked, he said, he tried to leave, but someone held the door shut to block his exit.
“All I could hear is someone yelling orders, ‘Lay on the bench, lay on the bench,’ ” Springs testified. “I had no idea what was going on, what could have been done to me. I have never been held hostage in a room before.”
Obeying commands to lay on his back and lift dumbbells, he said, firefighter Pedro Aristy, a former Marine, hovered over him.
“He crouched, he crouched and at that point there was contact made with his penis and his balls on my forehead,” Springs said, adding that Aristy’s genitals tapped him twice.
Another black probie, Ian Wilson, was ordered to use his hands to push the buttocks of a nude firefighter doing pull-ups, Springs said.
Aristy allegedly warned Springs not to report the incident.
“He told me he could punch me in my face and there was nothing I can do about it,” Springs said.
Aristy also taunted him, “I know you would like my balls in your mouth,” according to Springs.
“I was terrified . . . I believe that Pedro Aristy was — his goal was to try to rape me,” Springs said.
Springs said Aristy often asked him, “What are you?” in reference to his skin color.
“Pedro made it clear to everyone who asked my race that I was ‘a mixed bag of s- -t,’ ” Springs said.
In his deposition, Aristy, 40, denied his genitals ever touched Springs, saying he was at a distance, “leaning against the wall.” He said others referred to Springs — and even himself — as a “s- -tbag.”
In another incident that June, other firefighters allegedly dumped buckets of water and breadcrumbs on Springs as he climbed the firehouse pole. Springs plunged to the ground, injuring his back.
After filing complaints with the FDNY, Springs said, he found his mattress missing and metal screws in his boots, which he believes was retaliation. A doctor has diagnosed Springs with posttraumatic stress disorder and prescribed medications for anxiety, depression and panic attacks.
His testimony was filed in US District Court in Manhattan by the city, which is seeking to have his lawsuit dismissed.
“There is no evidence that any of the incidents . . . were racially, sexually or gender motivated,” the city argues. “The firefighters involved in the prank believed it would be a funny way to break the ice with the new members.”
Aristy was docked 30 days’ pay plus 15 vacation days and transferred to another firehouse. He argued in his deposition that the punishment was too harsh because his actions weren’t “malicious.”
But he added, “I’m ashamed of myself . . . That was a real dumb prank . . . I’m going to regret it for the rest of my life.”