New Canaan’s fire chief has resigned, officials announced Tuesday.
Chief Albe Basset’s resignation will be effective May 8, Fire Commission Chair Robert Fields said during the appointed body’s regular meeting.
“Chief Bassett, I want to thank you for your service and contributions to the town, and I want to wish you well in your future endeavors personally,” Fields said during the meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference.
After Bassett said “thank you,” Fields continued: “The town remains committed to the continued strength and professionalism of the Fire Department. We appreciate the dedication of our firefighters and staff, and are confident in the department’s continued service to the community.”
Asked at the meeting if he wanted to say anything about the resignation, Bassett said no.
Fields and Commissioners Sven Englund and Mike Socci voted 3-0 to recommend the appointment of Assistant Fire Chief William Perritt as interim chief. The Board of Selectmen will vote on the recommendation during its April 21 meeting, Fields said.
The town hired Bassett as assistant fire chief in August 2021. He had worked since 1992 for the fire department in Norwalk.
In November, the local firefighters’ union took a vote of no confidence in the chief, saying Bassett had committed an ethics violation, unduly influenced promotions and failed to address problems with equipment. In February, the Commission cited the chief in connection with a number of incidents and problems, saying he had created “a reasonable perception of unequal treatment” and communicated inappropriately with a firefighter. The Commission also cited the chief for placing an unsafe vehicle in service and accused him of inappropriate use of insurance funds.
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