DALTON, Mass. — The Board of Water Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously voted to terminate Fire Chief Christian Tobin just a year after hiring him. 

 

The decision comes after an investigation by Kerry Gilpin of Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting, which began when the board announced Tobin's paid suspension in August over allegations of sexual harassment, grant overspending, and employee concerns.

 

The suspension was originally for a month but was indefinitely extended in September until the investigation into Tobin's conduct was complete. 

 

"I feel there's sufficient evidence to support the harassment charges brought to our attention against Christian Tobin," board Chair James Driscoll said.

 

"Also, the fact Mr. Tobin did not make himself available for the requested interviews in person or on Zoom by Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting LLC leads me to the decision that we need to terminate the employment of Mr. Tobin as of Jan. 7." 

 

Tobin's attorney, Jonathan Thomas Zepka of Elizabeth J. Quigley & Associates, alleges that Tobin was never contacted by the district and no interview was performed. 

 

Elizabeth J. Quigley & Associates office was contacted via a defunct AOL email and there was a meeting that was supposed to be scheduled later this month. Then, the conclusion of this report was made known to their office but was not shared, Zepka said.