Andover Town Manager: Fire Chief Mansfield Has 'My Full Support'

ANDOVER, MA — Chief Michael Mansfield will remain in charge of the Andover Fire Department, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said in a statement to Patch Thursday. The firefighters voted no confidence in the chief at their October union meeting, and released a statement Tuesday asking Flanagan to consider replacing him. Flanagan said he will be reviewing the basis of the union's statement, but Mansfield will remain chief.

"I am in the process of reviewing the basis for the vote of no confidence in Chief Mansfield," Flanagan said. "Maintaining positive labor relations is a priority for the organization and I look forward to speaking with the Chief and the union about opportunities to bridge any gaps and resolve any outstanding issues or concerns."

In the union's statement, they complained of a "hostile work environment," lack of communication, safety issues and violations of collective bargaining agreements. The union represents the department's 52 career firefighters, 13 lieutenants, and 4 deputy chiefs. The vote was unanimous among attendees of the union meeting, they said.

"During my tenure as Town Manager, I have watched Chief Mansfield be a tireless advocate for the firefighters, the department and for the public safety needs of the community. Chief Mansfield will continue in his role with my full support," Flanagan said.

I'm aware of the action taken by the Andover Firefighters Union Local 1658," said Mansfield. "I look forward to working with its leadership in a collaborative effort to address the issues or concerns they have."

"It's great to know that I have the full support of the town manager. Along with him we'll continue to work toward the goals and objectives we've put in place for the organization," he said.

Neither Mansfield nor Flanagan addressed the specific concerns laid out in the union statement.

The complaint lists a number of particular "recent examples of poor management," leading with the recent purchase of a ladder truck that was too tall to fit under the Horn Bridge. That ladder truck, which cost the town over $1 million, was returned to the manufacturer, Pierce, to be repaired at no cost. According to the union statement, that has left them using a 20-year-old spare truck "with regular frequency. The spare truck has minimal tools, no radios, and a broken water tank."

"In the past 13 years we've been able to implement many initiatives ... recognized as best practices, and brought the department into the 21st century," said Mansfield. "I have a great deal of respect for the men and women of Andover Fire Rescue."

"I have respect for both parties, and I think we can all agree that we will be a more productive organization when we are working together. Our work will continue to focus on the needs and best interest of the community. We are fortunate, as a community, to have a talented, well-resourced and capable fire department that will continue to provide exceptional service to the people who live and work in Andover," Flanagan concluded.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at chris.huffaker@patch.com and 412-265-8353.