LA County fire chief accused of faking work injury, claims $25K insurance payout

A high-paid Los Angeles County Fire Department captain allegedly faked a workplace injury and forged doctors’ notes to rake in more than $25,000 in disability payments, prosecutors said.

Thomas Merryman, 45, is accused of pocketing the big payouts after claiming he was hurt on the job when he wasn’t even working, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Prosecutors said the alleged fraudster forged the names of a fellow fire captain and doctor on bogus paperwork to score long-term disability benefits from Colonial Life & Accident Insurance Company.

Merryman, believed to live in Georgetown, Texas, swindled the insurance company out of more than $25,000 — all while pulling in over $291,000 in salary and benefits in 2024, public records show.

“Fake disability claims will not be tolerated under my watch, especially by first responders charged with keeping our county safe,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement, adding that his office is working directly with fire officials to “root out fraud.”

“False healthcare claims raise insurance premiums and make it more difficult for people with legitimate work injuries to claim benefits. My message to public servants who abuse the system is clear: We are watching you.”

Records showed he banked a $153,714 salary and $112,687 in benefits, plus overtime and other pay.

It’s unclear when the fire captain submitted the fraudulent claim or whether he’s still on the job. The LAFD did not immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment.

Merryman was charged Friday with insurance fraud, false personation and two counts of forgery.

He faces up to five years behind bars, if convicted, prosecutors said.

Merryman is scheduled to be arraigned on Sept. 9.