Firefighter Workout Room Contracts

Firefighter Derrick Brown and other firefighters, proposed, pursued and mostly implemented a federal grant for a fire station workout room.

Fire Director Allen Barnhardt used the opportunity to divert $27,500 of the $80,000 grant money to his friends at FXO Marketing (http://www.fxomarketingllc.com/) as a “consulting fee”. FXO is the name used by two sports promoters in West Orange whose major accomplishment appears to be a summer athletic program for kids.

The rumor circulated at the state firefighter's convention in Atlantic City this year was that Allen Barnhardt had contracted with two separate entities/contractors to do the study on exercise/fitness for Orange firefighters, and that both entities cashed their city checks at check cashing places (as opposed to reputable banks).

The amount of money was $50,000 according to the rumor. It was not mentioned whether this was a total amount or in addition to the $27,500 given to FXO Marketing..

This would be a good line of inquiry for state investigators.