Crime & Safety

Poquonnock Bridge Fire District Rescinds Contract For Firefighters

Board took vote after an executive session Thursday

The Poquonnock Bridge Fire District’s board of directors voted Thursday to rescind a recently approved union contract that gives annual raises of 3 percent to firefighters for the next 10 years. The district also rescinded other action taken at a July 26 meeting, including providing cost of living increases for retired firefighters.

The board took the vote after an executive session that a lawyer for the fire district also attended.

Union President Kale Kiely said before the vote that depending on how it went, the union would be in contact with its attorney. He declined comment after the meeting.

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Fire District Board Member Alan Ackley said the district would revert to the former contract since the new one has been rescinded.

Groton that provide fire protection and emergency services to the residents of the districts they cover. Poquonnock Bridge is the largest of the nine.

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Board Member Nancy Beckwith filed a complaint last month with the state Freedom of Information Commission, saying the board's meeting to approve the contract was not handled legally.

Thomas Hennick, spokesman for the Freedom of Information Commission, said Beckwith filed the compliant on Aug. 24, saying the board held a special meeting, then voted on items that were not on the agenda.  Beckwith asked the commission to declare those votes null and void. She abstained from the vote Thursday.


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