Mark Schmink News Today

NBC Universal, Inc. An attorney for the suspended fire chief of Rockport, Massachusetts, filed a lawsuit against town leaders on Monday, arguing that they’re breaking a variety of laws by the way they’re managing the all-volunteer fire department.  The 57-page complaint filed on behalf of 10 taxpayers targets decisions made by both the Board of Selectmen and the town administrator, including appointing the town administrator as public safety commissioner, putting the fire chief on paid lea...

Updated on January 25, 2021 at 7:49 am NBC Universal, Inc. Nearly three months after threatening to walk off the job over disagreements with town leaders over the fire department’s management, Rockport’s volunteer firefighters say the town is now targeting them with an unnecessary audit.  The latest dust-up between the fire department and town hall, which is across the street from the fire station, comes as its chief, James Doyle, remains on paid leave, something that could end as early as...

featured By Michael Cronin Staff Writer     Dec 15, 2020 Dec 15, 2020 TIM JEAN/Staff file photo/Rockport Fire Departments Ladder 1 is seen on Main Street. ROCKPORT — The towns counsel has recommended selectmen take no action on a community-helmed petition seeking to emancipate the Rockport Fire Department from town oversight, calling it "invalid" as written. Attorney Michael Walsh of Walsh & Walsh LLP in Lynnfield  submitted a petition at Town Hall onÂ...

featured By Michael Cronin Staff Writer     Dec 15, 2020 Dec 15, 2020 TIM JEAN/Staff file photo/Rockport Fire Departments Ladder 1 is seen on Main Street. ROCKPORT — The towns counsel has recommended selectmen take no action on a community-helmed petition seeking to emancipate the Rockport Fire Department from town oversight, calling it "invalid" as written. Attorney Michael Walsh of Walsh & Walsh LLP in Lynnfield  submitted a petition at Town Hall onÂ...