Pawtucket Firefighters Face Terminations Amid Investigation

News Summary

An investigation into the Pawtucket Fire Department has resulted in the termination of four firefighters and the retirement of four others. This comes after a fire incident on Conant Street and a separate inquiry revealing breaches of public trust among some department members. The Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office is conducting the investigation, while the department plans to recruit to fill the vacancies left by these recent changes. City officials assure the public of safety measures and a commitment to transparency.

Pawtucket Firefighters Involved in Criminal Investigation Resulting in Firing and Retirements

Pawtucket, R.I. – An ongoing investigation into potential criminal activities involving members of the Pawtucket Fire Department has led to the termination of four firefighters and the retirement of four others. This decision comes amid changes triggered by a fire incident at a mobile home on Conant Street.

The fire, which occurred late Saturday night around 10 p.m., prompted a quick response from the Pawtucket Fire Department, preventing significant damage. Officials have stated that the situation could have escalated if the mobile home had been closer to surrounding buildings, although the specific cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Separate from this incident, an internal investigation revealed that eight firefighters were involved in activities that breached public trust. As a direct result of these findings, city officials confirmed the dismissals and departures of the firefighters. This investigation is being conducted in conjunction with the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, ensuring that all actions taken are thorough and lawful. Fire Chief John Trenteseaux has indicated that the department now faces a shortfall of eight firefighters as a result of these changes.

As of now, the Pawtucket Fire Department is operating with 129 firefighters, including one chief and one assistant chief, bringing the total to 131 members. The department has an annual budget that allows for a staffing level of 145 firefighters. To address the vacancies created by the recent events, the department is actively recruiting. There are currently five positions earmarked for the upcoming August fire academy, two for September, and an additional twelve spots planned for February 2026.

City spokesperson Chris Hunter stated that while the investigation remains ongoing, the city is unable to disclose further details regarding the situation due to legal limitations. The investigation has drawn attention and concern, prompting statements from labor attorney Vincent Ragosta, who accused the involved firefighters of “atrocious” behavior, highlighting the gravity of the accusations. Union leadership has sharply rebuked these claims, defending the reputation of the firefighters involved.

Local 1261, representing the firefighters, publicly criticized the terminations, asserting that the four dismissed members had exemplary service records prior to these events. The union has raised concerns about due process, alleging that the city withheld crucial evidence during the pre-termination hearings. In response to the terminations, the union plans to pursue arbitration to defend the rights of the affected firefighters.

Despite the turmoil within the department, city officials have reassured the public that safety measures continuity remains assured and emphasized the integrity of the fire department as a whole. They are committed to restoring any lost trust with the community through transparency and accountability following this serious incident.

The outcome of the ongoing investigation and its implications for the Pawtucket Fire Department will be closely monitored by both the public and those within the department as they navigate this unprecedented situation.

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Additional Resources

• WPRI: Mobile Home Fire Under Investigation in Pawtucket
• Wikipedia: Pawtucket
• Turn to 10: City Defends Eight Pawtucket Firefighters Under Investigation
• Google Search: Pawtucket Firefighters Investigation
• GoLocalProv: Eight Firefighters Out in Pawtucket After City Investigation
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Fire Department
• ABC6: Pawtucket Firefighters Fired and Retired After Investigation
• Google News: Pawtucket Fire Department