WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — The Rhode Island Airport Corporation accused former RIAC fire department Lt. Stephen Parent “criminally trespassed” at the airport on Friday. “Mr. Parent verbally attacked RIAC’s deputy fire chief and asked the deputy fire chief to escalate the verbal altercation off airport property,” the corporation said. “Additionally, he took possession of RIAC property without authorization and removed it from the premises.” Warwick police, meanwhile, said that the agency was not called or involved in the matter. Rhode Island Council 94, American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, AFL-CIO and Local 2873, R.I. Airport Corporation said that Parent is president of Local 2873 and was on the premises for a “scheduled contract negotiation session and grievance hearings.” The union added that Parent was not informed during his termination hearing on Oct. 29 that he would be unable to perform union business. It added that Parent was given the following statement in writing during his termination: “Hello Mr. Parent, As of Oct. 29, 2024, your employment as a lieutenant with the Rhode Island Airport Corporation’s Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting department is terminated based on your gross misconduct of among other things discouraging job applicants from taking positions with RIAC.” However, the corporation said that Parent was notified in writing “not to retaliate against the individuals at RIAC who provided documentation supporting his sabotage of airport operations and gross misconduct.” RIAC Senior Vice President of Operations Duc Nguyen released the following statement after the incident: This incident is very unfortunate and has caused alarm here at the airport. Per Department of Homeland Security’s regulations, TSA was notified, and onsite personnel have taken appropriate safety measures. Mr. Parent continues to demonstrate through his behavior why he was terminated and why there is no role for him at the Rhode Island Airport Corporation.  His retaliatory behavior is completely unacceptable and RIAC will protect employees from such threatening behavior. We are in the process of investigating this matter further. We do not believe there is an ongoing threat to public safety at the airport at this time. RIAC also replied to the union with the following: Today’s unfortunate incident has nothing to do with his role as a union president or contract negotiations and everything to do with his conduct. The incident occurred hours before negotiations were to take place and in an entirely different building on the opposite side of the airfield. We stand by our statement from earlier today. The investigation remains ongoing.  Council 94 President Michael McDonald released the following statement: Unfortunately, RIAC management has continuously twisted facts, distorted reality, and gone to great lengths to besmirch and impugn President Parent. While Local 2873 members continue to provide vital services for the traveling public, RIAC’S management team is focused on publicly attacking President Parent in an attempt to bust the union.  While we remain 100% committed to performing our duties, and ensuring the public’s safety, we will not allow RIAC’s management to harass, bully, and  intimidate our membership.  RI Council 94 AFSCME will defend our members in every available forum. We will fight, and we will win.  Council 94 remains confident we will negotiate a fair contract, and our members will continue to serve the traveling public faithfully. Categories: News, Rhode Island, Warwick