WINOOSKI, Vt. — A Vermont fire chief has been placed on paid administrative leave after being accused of inappropriate conduct.
The Burlington Free Press reported Winooski Fire Chief David Bergeron, who is also the city’s emergency manager coordinator, building inspector and code enforcement director, was placed on leave March 22. According to a letter from the city, Bergeron is accused of inappropriate conduct and of printing inappropriate materials on city property. The letter, from city manager Katherine Decarreau to Bergeron, provided no further information about the allegations.
“Our initial investigation has provided reason to believe these accusations may be valid and as such, you have been placed on paid administrative leave until such time as the investigation is complete,” the letter read.
Decarreau said Bergeron is still under investigation.
Bergeron was told in the letter to surrender his city-provided phone, badge and that he would not be able to access his email during his leave. He was also instructed to stay off city property, avoid responding to calls and to consider using the city’s employee assistance program.
Assistant Fire Chief John Spittle will take over in Bergeron’s absence.