DALTON, Mass. — The fire chief has been suspended for a month over allegations of sexual harassment, grant overspending and "employee concerns." 

 

Chief Christian Tobin countered with a thick packet of documents alleging "unlawful departmental practices." 

 

The claims came during a contentious Board of Water Commissioners meeting on Thursday morning that lasted about 25 minutes. 

 

The board voted unanimously to voted to place Tobin on four weeks of paid administrative leave and Tobin, hired in January, said he'd be gone by the end of the year. 

 

The meeting had been posted with an unusual agenda item: to discuss complaints against the chief.

 

Ordinarily, meetings to discuss "complaints" against an individual are held during executive sessions, and the individual's name is not included in the agenda. 

 

By the request of Tobin, however, the meeting was held as an open session.