Fire Chief & Lieutenant Termination Reasons
The termination letter sent to Fire Chief Jaye Vilchock, shown below, says that the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously. In summary, the reasons for termination were:
Discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
Discrimination against employees with disabilities.
Threats, intimidation, and retaliation against union organizers.
Retaliation against employees who have reported safety concerns.
Failure to keep medical records confidential.
Failure to observe vehicle safety standards.
Violation of the town’s notification policy.
The termination letter sent to Fire Lieutenant Sandra Vilchock, shown below, says that the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously. In summary, the reasons for termination were:
Discrimination on the basis of race and national origin.
Discrimination against employees with disabilities.
Failure to keep medical records confidential.
I know the Chief and Sandy very very well, having being the fire department liaison as a member of the board of selectman for 4 years. I assisted in establishing communications in an environment that was frought with nepotism (no, not the Chief and Sandy, external to them) for which the Chief was victim, and yet he ran the most professional organization you could imagine. The allegations are so far and beyond outside their characters that it just doesn't make any sense. Further, the harsh language used by Upton&Hatfield in their letters is inflammatory and would put anyone on the defensive. One must ask WHY didn't the TA and Board of Selectmen bring the Chief in for a discussion on the matter; WHY did they go directly to "you're guilty and we'll prove it"? It's not the Chief and Sandy haven't diligently and with great priority worked to protect life in our town for decades, so perhaps earned the opportunity for an open dialog? I guess this is the way in the new cancel culture. And about this "paid leave" posturing - well, the Chief worked for this town as a full time volunteer and was paid a very small stipend at the end of every year. Sandy worked on per diem, ie, per call, and was volunteer. So let's set that posturing aside, shall we? I am absolutely disgusted with the way this was conducted. The victims here are the Chief, Sandy and the townspeople and it is my hope the Chief and Sandy have their day in court. People of Nottingham, we should be supporting these two people.
OK. Well now I want to hear more about the Union organization activities, the reports of safety concerns, and the failures to observe safety standards.