IN RE: RIDGE ROAD FIRE DISTRICT (2007)

Respondent Kevin Nowack, a firefighter employed by petitioner, sought benefits pursuant to General Municipal Law § 207-a(1) for injuries that he allegedly sustained during the course of his employment.   Petitioner denied Nowack's application on the ground that Nowack's injury was the result of a preexisting condition.   Nowack appealed petitioner's determination pursuant to the collective bargaining agreement between petitioner and respondent union, which provided for the appointment of a hearing officer and an evidentiary review of Nowack's application for benefits.   Michael P. Schiano (respondent), the Hearing Officer, determined that the denial of Nowack's application was not supported by substantial evidence, and petitioner thereafter commenced this CPLR article 78 proceeding challenging respondent's determination.

Supreme Court transferred the proceeding to this Court pursuant to CPLR 7804(g) on the ground that the petition raises a substantial evidence issue.   That was error.   Respondent's determination was not “made as a result of a hearing held, and at which evidence was taken, pursuant to direction by law” (CPLR 7803[4] ).   Rather, the determination was the result of a hearing conducted pursuant to the terms of the collective bargaining agreement.   Thus, the proceeding should not have been transferred to this Court pursuant to CPLR 7804(g) (see Matter of Pierino v. Brown, 281 A.D.2d 960, 722 N.Y.S.2d 845).   We therefore vacate the order transferring the proceeding and remit the matter to Supreme Court for disposition on the merits (see Matter of Butler v. Town of Throop, 303 A.D.2d 976, 756 N.Y.S.2d 678;  Matter of Pierino v. Brown, 281 A.D.2d 960, 722 N.Y.S.2d 845;  see also Matter of Redanz v. City of Buffalo, 4 A.D.3d 868, 869, 772 N.Y.S.2d 138).

It is hereby ORDERED that said order be and the same hereby is unanimously vacated without costs and the matter is remitted to Supreme Court, Monroe County, for further proceedings.

MEMORANDUM: