Fire District Stands With Deputy Chief

A report that Deputy Fire Chief Russell McGillivray had dropped his pants during a training session at the State Fire Marshall’s office sent the East Greenwich Fire District commissioners into executive session before their regular Thursday night meeting. Personnel matters at all levels are always held behind closed doors.

After the incident was reported to the department, Fire Chief Henrikson suspended McGillivray for two days with pay.

However, after hearing from McGillivray during the executive session, District Chairman Doug Axelsen said the incident had been sensationalized.

In response to what action would be taken, Axelsen said, “I can tell you that we have taken a very serious approach."

“There are some requirements we face and we will hold to those requirements. I will tell you we will hold to those requirements and I will tell you that the stuff you are hearing on Channel 10 is crap, it is not the true story and they are sensationalizing it.” 

Axelson concluded, “But we’ve dealt with it, it is a very serious issue to us, and it has been dealt with."

In response to reporters' questions about further discipline, Axelsen said McGillivray has served his suspension and would be on the job at the regular time.

Asked if he had confidence in McGillivray going forward, Axelson replied “Absolutely."

Accompanying McGillivray during the executive session was his attorney Norman Landroch of Murphy and Fay in Providence. He had no comment about the proceedings.

Firefighters often attend Fire Commission meetings and several were seated in the Town Council chambers while the Commission was in executive session in a small room across the hall. They had no comment and left with the Deputy Chief when he emerged from the session.

After the incident was reported, the state’s public safety commissioner, Col. Steven O’Donnell, issued a statement saying McGillivray would no longer be allowed to train people at the State Fire Marshal’s classes. He said there were women in the class when the incident occurred, and while they were upset they declined to file a formal complaint.

McGillivray came to East Greenwich from the West Warwick Fire Department in a career that has spanned 22 years.