Greenwich interim fire marshal selected

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The Board of Selectmen yesterday named a 20-year Fire Department veteran to fill the position of suspended Fire Marshal Joseph Benoit on an interim basis and appointed a hearing officer to determine whether Benoit should be fired.

Fire Inspector James McDonald, 52, of Greenwich, was named interim fire marshal in a unanimous vote at a special board meeting at Town Hall. Fire marshals and inspectors investigate the cause and origin of fires, as well as follow up on suspected or reported fire code violations in town.

Michael W. Wittenberg, the president of Bargaining Associates, a Westchester County-based labor relations firm, was named to conduct a hearing and make a recommendation whether Benoit should be dismissed, also in a unanimous vote.

Wittenberg, 65, said yesterday he had not heard any of the facts of the case.

"I haven't spoken to Mr. Benoit or anyone yet," he said. "I don't know anything because I've just been appointed."

First Selectman Jim Lash said yesterday he wants to fire Benoit, a 34-year veteran of the department for his performance in the past several years, but provided few details about why he was seeking Benoit's dismissal. Benoit did not attend the meeting.

McDonald, of Greenwich, joined the department in 1987 and was promoted to fire inspector in 2000, Fire Chief Peter Siecienski said. McDonald did not return calls for comment yesterday.

State law in Connecticut requires towns to follow a specific protocol when terminating fire marshals, and entitles them to a public hearing before final action. Benoit is entitled to written notice of the specific reasons for his dismissal and an opportunity to defend himself in a public hearing before the Board of Selectmen.

After Benoit is notified of the specific reasons cited for his dismissal, a hearing must be held between five and 10 days afterward. Wittenberg would preside over the hearing.

Benoit can decide whether he would prefer a closed hearing, Lash said.

Benoit was put on paid administrative leave on Sept. 5, after Lash conducted an annual performance review.

Town Labor Relations Director Al Cava said under the terms of McDonald's appointment he will serve as interim fire marshal for no more than 180 days.

Under the union contract for Greenwich firefighters, Cava said he will negotiate with union officials about McDonald's salary while serving in the interim marshal post.

Benoit also serves as a deputy chief, though no appointment was made to fill those duties yesterday.

Benoit did not return calls for comment.

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