Tomasso Calls for Labbadia's Resignation in Wake of Target 12 Investigation

State Representative Lisa P. Tomasso of Coventry is calling for the resignation of Coventry Fire District Chief Paul Labbadia after a Channel 12 investigation revealed that he was drinking alcohol during the day and apparently smoking marijuana.

“The chief said he’s always available 24/7. Well I certainly don’t want him showing up at an emergency situation in the condition that I saw him in on Channel 12,” Tomasso said. “This is a serious public safety concern for me. When people’s lives are endangered, we expect that responders will be fit to help them.”

Tomasso said she was particularly outraged that Chief Labbadia is on duty and using a town-owned vehicle, but is instead seen drinking at local bars and at parties on Federal Hill.

“He needs to be fit for duty, but he was obviously in no condition to respond to emergencies,” said Tomasso (D-Dist. 29, Coventry, West Greenwich). “On behalf of the public safety of the people of Coventry, he must resign immediately.”

Tomasso pointed out that Chief Labaddia also must resign because he is responsible for making decisions that could endanger the other responders at the scene of emergencies.