BOSTON -- A firefighter who competed in a bodybuilding contest even though he claimed he couldn't work because of a back injury has been ordered to return to work.

Albert Arroyo, 46, wanted an accidental disability retirement because he was "permanently disabled" from an injury he suffered in March. A few months later, after Arroyo collected his full $68,000 annual salary tax free for six weeks, he finished eighth in a bodybuilding competition.

On Friday, Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser ordered him to return back to work, according to Steve McDonald, a Boston Fire Department spokesman. A letter was mailed to Arroyo on Thursday, and he is expected back at work next week.

Arroyo inspects buildings as a member of the Fire Prevention Division. His attorney said that bodybuilding helps him cope with the "rigors" of the job.