Virginia state Sen. Suhas Subramanyam, who often highlights his service as a volunteer firefighter in his campaign as the Democratic nominee for the 10th Congressional District, is facing allegations that his firefighting career was cut short by termination for serious offenses, including “disregarding job duties” and “insubordination.” According to an internal report from the Ashburn Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department, Subramanyam was recommended for termination in 2019 due to multiple violations of department standards. The report, filed by the station’s captain Hector R. Rodriguez, cites several instances in which Subramanyam allegedly failed to meet operational requirements, ranging from insubordination to inadequate performance in key firefighter drills. Despite receiving multiple training opportunities and clear instructions, Subramanyam reportedly failed to improve over a year, struggling with basic tasks like identifying equipment and performing drills. Supervisors, including Captain Corey Merdler, expressed concerns that he poses a “danger to himself and others” on the job. After several discussions with department leadership, Subramanyam was ultimately terminated in 2019, just over one year after graduating from fire school. The allegations have prompted Republican opponent Mike Clancy to call for transparency and integrity from candidates seeking public office, accusing Subramanyam of “intentionally misleading” the community by falsely branding himself as something he was not.
Subramanyam’s Candidacy Under Fire: Termination Allegations Emerge in VA Race
