"They cited "the uncertainty of the arbitration process and the significant cost of prolonged litigation," according to Goncalves. Steven Gomes, Thomas Trabulsi, and Noah LeBlanc were all terminated, but reached union-negotiated agreements to be reinstated. Gomes returned to the department Jan. 1, Trabulsi returned March 15, and LeBlanc is expected""
Pawtucket began investigating multiple firefighters after documented unlawful purchase of a controlled substance, later identified as marijuana. The investigation expanded to allegations involving the use, purchase, or sale of marijuana on and off duty, and some claims were linked to a separate misconduct inquiry within the fire department. Pawtucket police and the Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office initiated the probe after learning of the documented purchase. Although possession and cultivation are legal in Rhode Island, restrictions apply to quantities and purchasing locations. Firefighters contested terminations through hearings under a collective bargaining agreement. City attorneys recommended settlement agreements to reduce uncertainty in arbitration and litigation costs. Several firefighters were terminated, some retired or resigned, and others were reinstated on negotiated terms.
#fire-department #marijuana-allegations #internal-investigation #collective-bargaining #public-trust
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