Lamey wants a return to department
Published on January 4th, 2006
STONEHAM, MA - Fighting for a return to his post since last October, Stoneham Fire Chief Lawrence Lamey reportedly obtained legal counsel recently to battle for his return to work.
Effective last Sunday, Fire Captain Joseph Rolli was selected by Town Administrator Ron Florino to assume the fire chief’s role after Deputy Chief James Halpin — who has served in Lamey’s capacity since he suffered a heart attack last Spring — announced his retirement.
Halpin, who will remain employed until this March, is currently tapping his leftover vacation days and will not be at the fire station in an official capacity before his retirement. According to Florino, who named Rolli acting fire chief at Halpin’s recommendation, the veteran firefighter’s change of title is only temporary.
"Joe’s the senior fire captain and he’s very knowledgeable. He’s been around the department for a while and everybody seems to respect him. Deputy Chief Halpin also recommended him, so he seemed like a good fit," said Florino of Rolli.
"It will probably be until the Fire Chief [Lamey] comes back," the Town Administrator explained, referring to how long the temporary post is expected to last. "We’re really not clear, because of the nature of Chief Lamey’s injury, how long it’s going to take."
However, according to Lamey, who has been out on extended leave while recovering from bypass heart surgery, he notified town officials on Oct. 17 that he was prepared to reassume his post as the fire department’s top administrator.
However, after he was reportedly denied that request — for reasons the Fire Chief refused to elaborate on — Lamey obtained a lawyer to negotiate a resolution to the issue.
"Absolutely," said Lamey, when asked if he planned to return to the fire department. "I’ve been waiting to come back for quite a while. It’s my full intent to come back and it always has been."
"I was ready to come back on Oct. 17. There’s really nothing I can say other than that. It’s something that has to be resolved. I’ve had to seek counsel, so I’ll leave it at that," the Fire Chief added, speaking from his home during a phone interview.
Reached in his office on Tuesday afternoon, Florino declined to comment on the fire chief’s claims, citing the confidentiality of employee personnel and medical records.
However, the Town Administrator did hint that the reason behind the alleged denial of Lamey’s request to return to work was linked to his recovery from the heart attack.
Specifically, Florino stated that the ultimate decision on whether Lamey is fit enough to reassume his duties is out of his hands, as he lacks the medical expertise to determine the Fire Chief’s physical health and well-being.
"I don’t know about this type of injury to comment one way or another," responded Florino, when asked when he expected Lamey to return. "It’s pretty much up to the experts to advise me on that."
"I’m not going to comment on personnel matters. His medical information is confidential, so I’m not going to comment on it," the Town Administrator said, upon being asked if he could elaborate.
Fully anticipating Lamey’s return, Rolli emphasized that his role is only to oversee the operations of the Fire Department on a temporary basis.
However, if the Fire Chief’s absence is extended into the spring and summer months, Rolli believes some type of alternate arrangement might be necessary, as he’ll be required to perform both the duties of fire chief and as the department’s fire prevention officer.
"I’m not privy to his [Lamey’s] situation, so I’m not familiar. I’m just trying to keep everything afloat. This is just until the Chief gets over the situation. But when that will be, I’m not sure," said Rolli.
Subscribe and get Home Delivery of The Independent
Save 36% off the newstand price — that's like 18 FREE issues!