Deputy Fire Chief Suspended For Dropping Pants During Training Session

Deputy Fire Chief Russell McGillivray has been suspended with pay after dropping his pants during a training session at the State Fire Marshall's office, WJAR reported Tuesday evening.

"An incident did happen, but I don't think he was naked. I suspended McGillivray for two days with pay," East Greenwich Fire Chief Peter Henrikson is reported to have said.

McGillivray, who lives in Coventry, could not be reached.

Col. Steven O'Donnell of the state police, who is also the state's public safety commissioner, released this statement:

"McGillivray is no longer allowed to train people at the fire marshal's classes. It is beyond comprehension how someone, a professional, could do that. The females in the class, at a minimum, were upset, but declined to file a formal complaint," O'Donnell said.

Russell McGillivray was hired as the deputy chief of the East Greenwich Fire Department last February, taking over the position that opened up when Peter Henrikson was promoted as chief of the district.

McGillivray came to East Greenwich from the West Warwick Fire Department, where he began his career 22 years ago, rising to the rank of Battalion Chief.

The Fire District Commissioners meet in regular session on Thursday at Town Hall.