New York, NY – A former civilian official with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) is facing serious accusations of exploiting the tragic events of 9/11 through a deceptive fundraising scheme for a questionable charity. Stephan Hittmann, a former Director of Fire Training for the FDNY, allegedly used a smokescreen of lies and phony props, including a fake link to former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a bogus uniform, and fraudulent valor medals, fire officials are charging.

Hittmann, who held a civilian position and was never authorized to wear an FDNY uniform, reportedly donned dress blues and pinned on bogus medals of valor – including a 9/11 ribbon – after he left the department. These alleged impersonations occurred as he traveled to raise money for his foundation.

“He is trying to capitalize on a catastrophic event by not only impersonating a firefighter, but the chief of department, and wearing combat ribbons that don’t even exist,” stated Pete Gorman, president of the Uniformed Fire Officers Association, condemning Hittmann’s alleged actions.

Adding to the list of alleged deceptions, Hittmann has also reportedly invoked former Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s name as the head of his organization, despite Giuliani having no connection to the foundation. Officials reveal that Hittmann made this unsubstantiated claim in a letter to former fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen, a known Giuliani associate, where Hittmann listed the former mayor as chairman of his foundation.

A representative for Mr. Giuliani unequivocally stated, “In no way, shape or form was Mr. Hittmann permitted to use Mr. Giuliani’s name. Its use is misleading and inappropriate.”

Hittmann’s tenure with the FDNY ended in April 2004 when he was asked to resign from his $134,000-a-year position due to “general work-performance issues,” according to a source familiar with the matter.

As of now, Stephan Hittmann has not been charged with any crime related to these allegations. However, fire officials continue to highlight the alleged deception, particularly the exploitation of the 9/11 tragedy and the impersonation of a dedicated public servant, raising serious questions about the legitimacy of his fundraising efforts.