Embattled Coventry Fire District Chief Paul Labbadia leaves a pension hearing in North Providence without comment. Photo by Steve Klamkin WPRO News
WPRO News
The embattled Chief of the Coventry Fire District Paul Labbadia appeared in North Providence Thursday for a hearing with Mayor Charles Lombardi, who wants to strip him of his pension.
Labbadia is a former call firefighter in North Providence, where Lombardi, acting as Public Safety Commissioner, said he did not work the required 10 years in the 1980s to qualify for the pension that he is currently collecting.
Labbadia’s attorney, State Rep. John DeSimone asked that a decision be deferred, so he could review town personnel documents.
“They have a question [about] a couple of documents, we will afford them the opportunity to take a look at some of that paperwork and we will be making our decision,” said Lombardi.
“I guarantee the decision will be swift, it will be quick.” He indicated it may come as soon as next Monday.
Labbadia left the hearing without comment.
Labbadia was depicted in a Channel 12 report allegedly smoking pot and drinking in a town vehicle. He was suspended by the board of the Coventry Fire District, which moved Tuesday night to suspend him without pay.
Lombardi acknowledged that a previous North Providence fire chief may have signed off on Labbadia’s pension request, thinking that it was for another family member who also worked for the town.
“Look, this was the norm in this town years ago, things like this going on,” Lombardi said. “And every once in a while this contamination comes to the top.”
