Publications & Sites 
Elmwood Park firefighter charged with battery
Updated: October 7, 2012 6:04AM
ELMWOOD PARK — One driver not letting another driver pass resulted in a person allegedly being punched in the face and the arrest of an Elmwood Park firefighter.
Rocco A. Fanella, 50, an Elmwood Park firefighter, was arrested at 7:20 p.m. July 29 at the Elmwood Park Police Department and charged with battery. He allegedly hit a person in the face.
According to a police report, obtained through a Freedom of Information request, the alleged victim was driving northbound on the 2100 block of 76th Avenue and stopped behind a black Chevy Camaro Fanella was driving. The Camaro was stopped in the middle of the street.
The victim waited for a short time, but Fanella reportedly did not move his car.
The victim beeped his horn and Fanella allegedly gave him the finger and did not move, according to the report. The victim then beeped again.
Fanella allegedly got out of his car, approaching the victim’s vehicle. The victim also got out of his car. Fanella allegedly approached the man, punched him in the face, then got back into his car and drove away, according to the report.
After the incident, police said Fanella showed up at the Elmwood Park Police Department, where he was placed under arrest. His court date is Aug. 24.
Elmwood Park Village Manager Paul Volpe would not comment on the arrest but said all village employees are held to a higher standard than the average resident.
“When we have someone who doesn’t, we act accordingly and swiftly,” he said.
