Virginia Sen. Suhas Subrahmanyam, who has frequently highlighted his work as a volunteer firefighter in his campaign as the Democratic candidate for the 10th Congressional District, has been fired for serious crimes, including “neglect of duty.” He is facing allegations that his career as a firefighter was cut short. ” and “disobedience.”
According to an internal report from the Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department, Subrahmanyam was recommended for termination in 2019 for multiple violations of department standards.
The report, submitted by Capt. Hector R. Rodriguez of the department, cited several instances in which Subramanyam allegedly failed to meet operational requirements, ranging from insubordination to poor performance during major fire drills.
Subrahmanyam was found to have violated the use of “department uniform, equipment, and/or employment status in on- and off-duty political activities” and made “inadvertent errors impacting the safety of department personnel or the public.” did.
Despite receiving multiple training opportunities and clear instructions, Subrahmanyam reportedly struggled with basic tasks such as identifying equipment and conducting training, and was unable to improve for more than a year.
Supervisors, including Capt. Cory Mardler, expressed concern that he “posed a danger to himself and others” on the job.
After several discussions with department leaders, Subrahmanyam was ultimately fired in 2019, more than a year after graduating from the fire academy.
Part of the letter reads:
In addition to the above, Mr. Suhas Subrahmanyam was previously suspended and placed on a work schedule for failing to perform his duties. He was trained many times by many members and officers. He was given clear instructions on what was required to be minimally staffed. He was told to contact police if he needed help. It's been more than a year since he graduated from fire academy, and even though months have passed and he's had a chance to get his act together, he still can't locate the equipment and its location on the device. , could not properly perform a 2 minute drill and a 30 second drill and properly throw a ladder. , expand the line properly. On top of that, it was clear that he had no energy or desire to correct his attitude or mistakes.
Both myself and Captain Cory Madler believe that Suhas is a danger to himself and others at the fire scene and during training for the reasons listed above. Suhas also sat and talked about this many times. At the last meeting, Chief Quijano and I spoke with Suhas and informed him that he would no longer be part of the suppression side of the department. He told me that if he wanted to continue volunteering his time to us, he would need to consider either the administrative side or the paramedic side (with AC Horvath's approval). He has not appeared to discuss his decision since this last sit-down about a month ago. I emailed him, texted him, called him and got no response.
“At this time, despite all the benefits and assistance given to him, it is believed that he is no longer an asset to this department and is no longer considered to be a part of it. I have recommended that he be dismissed. This is why we do it,” Rodriguez concluded.
But Subrahmanyam's campaign has consistently highlighted his time as a firefighter and EMT, portraying him as deeply committed to public service, and is repeated on his current campaign website. There is. emphasize His firefighting experience.
For example, this year's campaign ad boasts that he has served as a “volunteer firefighter and EMT” after vowing to “stand up to MAGA extremism” and “defend abortion rights” in Congress. is shown.
In another article, the incumbent, whom Subrahmanyam is seeking to fill, described him as a “principled and capable leader” who “has served as a firefighter, EMT, and advisor to President Obama.” I praise it.
Mr. Subrahmanyam's Republican opponent, Mike Clancy, is campaigning forfinding to restore america” weighed in on the issue by prioritizing border security, restoring fiscal “sanity,” revitalizing the economy through deregulation, and increasing law enforcement funding to improve safety.
In a sharply worded statement to Breitbart News, Mr. Clancy called Mr. Subrahmanyam's fire department record “extremely abysmal,” calling him “neglect of duty,” “laziness,” “neglect of duty,” and “insubordination.” ” and emphasized the lack of job description for fire brigade members. “a willingness or desire to correct one's behavior or mistakes” and being “a danger to oneself or others.”
“What should shock every voter is how deceitful Mr. Suhas has been over the past five years about his short and difficult tenure with the fire department,” he added, “and who he is.” “They intentionally misled our entire community by making false statements.” do not have. ”
Clancy said Subrahmanyam's lies “discredit first responders who serve with dedication and self-sacrifice.”
“Furthermore, the people of District 10 deserve representatives who are honest about their backgrounds, accountable for their actions, and committed to serving the community,” he continued.
“A fair and reasonable observation of Mr. Subrahmanyam's conduct shows that he lacks the integrity and character worthy of service,” he added.
The statement concludes by calling for leaders with “transparency, authenticity, and true dedication” rather than those “hiding behind fabricated resumes.”
“Our district needs leaders who will show up and follow through,” he explained.
Clancy's wife, Lynn, is an experienced paramedic; recognized He is a key figure in the fire service industry, making the issue even more relevant as voters weigh the public service credentials of both candidates.
The Ashburn Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department declined further comment on the matter when contacted by Breitbart News. However, sources within the ministry confirmed that the dismissal report was true.
Subrahmanyam's team has not yet responded to these allegations after being contacted.
Mr. Subrahmanyam, 38, currently serves as the Virginia state senator for the 32nd District, and his career includes a stint as a White House technical advisor under President Barack Obama. He is the Democratic candidate for the 10th Congressional District seat currently held by Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton.
The race is currently classified The race is being held as a “toss-up” for the 2024 election, making the seat vacant following Wexton's retirement in 2018 due to a severe neurological disorder, making it a highly competitive battleground.
Subramanyam's campaign is buoyed by Wexton's support, but the revelations about his firefighting background could pose challenges in this close race, which is a strong Republican party hoping to flip. This is an important seat that the Democratic Party is trying to hold on to in the face of ongoing efforts.
The outcome of the controversy could sway public opinion, especially given the contrast between Subramanyam's campaign message and details of his military career.
Joshua Klein is a reporter for Breitbart News. Email jklein@breitbart.com. Follow him on Twitter @Joshua Klein.
