Winooski fire chief Bergeron resigns

Winooski's longtime fire chief David Bergeron has signed a letter of resignation Monday amid allegations of "inappropriate conduct," his lawyer Bill Norful said.

Bergeron's resignation will become effective on May 21, the City of Winooski stated in a news release. Monday was Bergeron's 65th birthday, Norful said.

"It was a mutual agreement," Norful said, adding that Bergeron believed his resignation would benefit both himself and the city.

Bergeron served as Winooski's fire chief for 26 years. He also served as the city's building inspector, code enforcement director and emergency management coordinator. He was a member of the fire department for 43 years, Norful said.

City Manager Katherine "Deac" Decarreau declined comment Monday afternoon, referring instead to the city's news release.The four-paragraph release confirmed Bergeron's resignation, the effective date, Bergeron's employment history with the city and who would take up his duties.

"The City has no further comment on this matter," the news release stated. "We wish Mr. Bergeron well in the future."

Bergeron was initially placed on paid administrative leave on March 22. He will remain on paid leave until May 20 per an agreement with the city, Norful said.

Norful declined on Monday to provide a copy of Bergeron's resignation letter to the Burlington Free Press.

"I think David is pleased with the resolution," Norful said, declining further comment.

A letter the city provided to the Free Press following a public-records request on March 30 shows that Bergeron is accused of unspecified "inappropriate conduct" and of "printing inappropriate materials on city property." The letter, from Decarreau to Bergeron on March 22, offered no further details about the accusations.

"Our initial investigation has provided reason to believe these accusations may be valid and as such, you have been placed on Paid Administrative Leave until such time as the investigation is complete," the letter stated.

Winnoski Human Resources Manager Julie Hulburd said in March that Bergeron's salary is $77,812 per year.

The news release said Assistant Fire Chief John Spittle is leading the department in Bergeron's absence. Bergeron's deputies in the code enforcement office are fulfilling his duties as building inspector.

Contact Elizabeth Murray at 651-4835 or emurray@freepressmedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/LizMurraySMC.