Labbadia Suspended With Pay

The Coventry Fire District’s board voted Monday to suspend Chief Paul Labbadia with pay pending an investigation into allegations of misconduct following a scathing months-long Target 12 investigation that showed what appeared to be a pattern of on-the job drinking and golfing.

The investigation also showed what appeared to be Labbadia giving access to a department-issued SUV to another person as well as smoking marijuana with a group of people during Columbus Day festivities on Federal Hill in Providence.

Withe the board’s vote, Labbadia is not allowed on fire station property and was ordered to turn in his keys.

The board did not discuss any details about their investigation after their closed-door meeting.

Labbadia has denied any wrongdoing and said the item he was smoking in the Target 12 video was a cigar.

Since the report, a growing list of local representatives and senators has called for Labbadia to resign, including Sen. Nicholas Kettle, Rep. Jared Nunes and Rep. Lou Raptakis.

Rep. Patricia Morgan has called for a suspension and investigation.