Vernon Deputy Fire Marshal Fired After Multi-Tiered Investigation

VERNON, CT — The town of Vernon's deputy fire marshal has been fired as part of two investigations into workplace harassment and other job-related transgressions that included a suspension five months ago, disciplinary documents state.

William Call was officially let go Monday, according to discliplinary documents. The documents were obtained via a Freedom of Information request. Disciplinary documents are public record, separate from an employee's regular personnel file, according to state law.

Call had been serving as the acting fire marshal when he was suspended for two days without pay in July for creating a "hostile work environment" via some actions determined to be "sexual harassment," and lacking "courtesy," according to disciplinary documents.

The incidents date back to the previous fall and winter, according to disciplinary documents. Town officials initiated an investigation after staffers complained, Vernon Town Administrator Michael Purcaro said at the time.

The accusations included:

• Making a sexual gesture toward a female resident after the resident left the main counter
• Initiating office conversations about genetalia

They were deternined to be credible, according to the documents.

The fire marshal's office shares a facility with the local building department.

By signing a "last chance agreement" dated June 28 regarding the suspension, Call acknowledged the town had "substantial" and "credible" evidence that Call violated "rules" of employment. The agreement also notes that Call "had no recollection" of the incidents.

"The Town conducted a thorough investigation that spanned several months. This investigation included the review of documentary evidence, as well as multiple interviews with credible witnesses," Purcaro said at the time. "After carefully considering all available evidence, the town determined the employee in question's actions constituted sexual harassment and created a hostile work environment. The town has taken all necessary steps to end the harassment and protect the employees who participated in the investigation."

After returning from suspension, Call was accused of again creating a sexually charged incident at work that included showing a lewd video on his phone, according to the documents. Documents show the accusation was found to be credible.

Documents show he also applied for and was appointed to a similar part-time job in Bolton without written permission, which is against Vernon's rules of employment. When asked if he received a reference call from Botlton officials, Purcaro said he did not. Call was initially "not immediately forthcoming" when asked by a supervisor about the Bolton position, according to the documents.

Call is also accused in the documents of incomplete fire and fire code inspections.

His employment status was discussed in executive session prior to the Dec. 3 town council meeting and a hearing was conducted on Dec. 5, records show.

According to the disciplinary docments, Call showed "hostility" during the second phase of the investigation and showed "no further evidence" for town officials to retain his employment.

He was officially sent a termination letter Monday.

Call was making $30.78 per hour as deputy fire marshal, according to the disciplinary documents.