Bodybuilding Ex-Boston Firefighter Claims 'Extreme' Pain

August 26, 2008

A former Boston firefighter, fired after participating in a bodybuilding contest while claiming a back injury made it impossible for him to work, said in a radio interview that the pain he experiences is "extreme."

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Albert Arroyo, in his first public comments, told WTKK-AM host Jimmy Myers in an hourlong interview Sunday that if he stands or sits in one position for too long he has to do the reverse to relieve back pain.

Myers said he is a personal friend of Arroyo.

Arroyo, a firefighter since 1986, claimed he suffered the unwitnessed injury in March. He applied for disability retirement in May, the same month he participated in the competition.

Arroyo said he only lifts weights no more than 30 pounds at a time, and feels "betrayed'' by other firefighters who have not come to his defense.