A Pace University student was busted yesterday for stealing the FDNY parking permit of a legendary firefighter who died on Sept. 11, officials said.
Fire marshals nabbed Vadim Reznikov, a 20-year-old Russian immigrant, near the university – which is across from City Hall – after noticing the stolen permit on his car, officials said.
It belonged to Deputy Fire Commissioner William Feehan, 70, a beloved figure in the department.
Reznikov claimed he found it at Ground Zero while working for the Red Cross, officials said.
He was hit with five charges, including grand larceny, criminal inpersonation and criminal possession of stolen property.
“To think that all this time, Mr. Reznikov has been abusing the privilege of such a revered and respected member of the Fire Department for his own personal gain is appalling,” said department spokesman Mike Loughran.
Reznikov was arrested by Fire Marshals Robert Pinto and Robert Schmidt, who were conducting a security sweep of the area and noticed the permit on his car.
They staked out the car until Reznikov returned.
Feehan held every possible rank in the department during a 42-year career.
The permit was stolen from his car after he died on Sept. 11.
At Feehan’s funeral, former Fire Commissioner Thomas Von Essen said, “He could have been anything, but he was a firefighter. He cannot be replaced.”
Former Mayor Rudy Giuliani called Feehan “one of the most exceptional people who ever served the city.”