By Dirk Perrefort
The News-Times
RIDGEFIELD, Conn. — Fire Chief Kevin Tappe has been placed on administrative leave over allegations that he “violated town policy.” The move was made during a special meeting of the Board of Selectmen and the Fire Commission Thursday morning.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi and Tappe declined to comment on the nature of the violation, but confirmed that an investigation into the matter has been launched.
Assistant Chief Jerry Myers has been named acting chief while the investigation is ongoing.
“The fire department is doing great work, and we have great people working for us,” Tappe said in Town Hall Thursday shortly after the meeting ended. “I want to make sure the public maintains its confidence in the Ridgefield Fire Department.”
Marconi noted during the brief special meeting that officials with the town’s human resources department are conducting a full investigation by gathering information and interviewing witnesses. A report will be forwarded to Marconi when the investigation is complete, he said.
He added that Tappe, who was present for Thursday’s special meeting, requested it be held in public. An executive session to discuss the personnel matter was originally anticipated, but the subject of such personnel discussions have the right under state law to ask that they be held in public.
“There are a lot of rumors flying around town about what happened and they are just that, rumors,” Marconi said after the meeting. “That is why we want to do our due diligence with the investigation, and unfortunately that takes time.”
Human Resources Director Laurie Fernandez, who also attended the meeting, said she was unable to provide a timeline as to when the probe might be completed.
Joe Cwalinksi, a local resident who has worked with Tappe in various fire departments for more than 40 years, said “this is a man who eats, breathes and lives fire ... please keep that in the back of your mind.”
Capt. Rick Lawlor, president of the Ridgefield Professional Firefighters union, said he was initially concerned that the issue might have reflected poorly on the department.
“We want the public to know that this is a management problem, and the union members have done nothing wrong,” he said. “We continue to provide the finest fire and emergency medical services anywhere and our members do a great job every day.”
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