Federal and D.C. authorities are investigating a fire department inspector after allegations surfaced concerning his involvement with a D.C. nightclub, according to government sources.
D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services Department officials would not identify the inspector because he had not been charged administratively or criminally, but government sources said the individual is Capt. Tony Falwell, a seasoned firefighter with the Fire Prevention Division.
Falwell was escorted from his office building Friday, witnesses said.He was not allowed to retrieve his personal belongs, and investigators seized his office computer, sources said.
As a fire-prevention inspector, Falwell is in charge of inspecting buildings for fire code violations during the day, and at night patrols the D.C. nightclubs to make sure the businesses are within occupancy limits and the exit doors are clear.
Falwell has been credited with confiscating tons of illegal fireworks from the streets of the District of Columbia. Fire inspectors also conduct fire-prevention programs and distribute home safety kits for families.
A person at his office Friday said Falwell remained on leave. Falwell could not be reached at home Friday.
Interim D.C. Fire Chief Brian Lee said he ordered the investigation after fire department inspectors received allegations of misconduct against one of the department’s own inspectors.
“We were closing up some of our cases and one individual’s name kept coming up,” Lee said. He initiated an inquiry and notified the D.C. Inspector General’s office and the U.S. Attorney’s office.
Lee said he could not discuss the investigation any further because the inspector had not been charged with a crime or administratively.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office said it would not comment on the investigation.
