SMITHFIELD – One can’t be both a first responder and someone who participates in illegal drug use and distribution, says labor attorney Vincent Ragosta, who is representing Smithfield in its labor arbitration case against former Smithfield firefighter Thomas Mulcahey.
Fired over criminal activity that later was pleaded down to a lesser charge, former Smithfield firefighter Mulcahey is suing the town for his job and pension back.
“It’s been the town’s view that drug use, drug dealing, and affiliation with drug dealers, gun runners, are completely incompatible of a position of public trust as a firefighter,” Ragosta said.
Discussions continued in executive session on Tuesday, a process that will likely see the town enter a deal with Mulcahey, said Ragosta. On the agenda is a discussion and possible vote to finalize any settlement agreement from the arbitration.
Lt. Gov. McKee announces members of COVID-19 advisory group
February 3, 2021 GMT
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) Lt. Gov. Daniel McKee, expected to take over as governor if Gina Raimondo is confirmed as President Joe Biden’s commerce secretary, on Wednesday unveiled the members of a 20-member panel that would advise him on the state’s continued response to the coronavirus pandemic, including vaccination efforts.
The COVID-19 Advisory Group includes medical professionals, lawmakers, municipal and community leaders, and others, and is co-chaired by Dr. John Stoukides, chief of the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Roger Williams Medical Center, and Johnston Mayor Joseph Polisena, a nurse.