BOURNE – The union representing Bourne firefighters has sent a letter to the board of selectmen informing them that the membership has voted no confidence in Fire Chief Norman Sylvester.
Sylvester was hired as chief in 2015.
The union says he has repeatedly jeopardized safety and has provided inadequate training during his tenure.
In addition, the union is calling for Sylvester’s suspension. He has already announced his intention to step down effective July 5th. In his resignation letter Sylvester cited strife within the department, saying some members are concerned about their own interests at the expense of the department.
Among other claims, the union says in its letter that Sylvester has done away with a full time fire academy for training and replaced it with a volunteer and on call academy, jeopardizing readiness and safety.
In addition, the union says Sylvester failed to adequately use a state grant to provide carbon monoxide and smoke detectors in homes that lack adequate devices. Sylvester sent $7,000 of the grant back to the state, the letter says.
Selectmen are considering the matter a personnel issue and are seeking advice from town council.
The vote, which took place April 1, was unanimous.
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