Charlton Fire Department Complaints and Investigation

Context

Firefighters (union) have raised complaints and held a vote of no confidence alleging harassment, retaliation and vindictive behavior. The board retained an independent investigator, treats the matter as personnel, and declined to give details. The topic first surfaced September 22 when attorney Rebecca Cousins raised the fire chief remaining in position during an ongoing investigation (cut off by the chair; she warned of lawsuit risk). On October 13 firefighter Steven Reese said he emailed the board twice and only one member replied, and asked what anti-retaliation steps exist under personnel policy section 10. Names are ASR-approximate.

Status

Open and potentially escalating; no board decision announced.

Log

• 2026-10-13 - Select Board Meeting — Chair read a statement on the independent investigation; firefighter Steven Reese pressed on retaliation safeguards in open forum; board gave no further details.
• 2026-09-22 - Select Board Meeting — Raised in open forum by Rebecca Cousins; board declined to discuss; no decision made.