PAWTUCKET, R.I. (WLNE) — Local No. 1261 firefighters in Pawtucket said they have voted “overwhelmingly” in favor of having no confidence in Fire Chief John Trenteseaux’s leadership abilities. Early in November, members of Local No. 1261 said they were they were upset after a probationary firefighter was ordered to report as a deputy chief, as the 22-year-old had just three months of experience before Fire Chief John Trenteseaux named him. “That reckless decision left the membership with no other choice but one, provide the chief with the collective sentiment that the firefighters have lost all confidence in his ability to lead,” said members in a written letter. “Fire Chief John Trenteseaux conveyed to us that he wanted to work alongside this local and craft a unique labor relationship going forward, which the union overwhelmingly welcomed, he instead chose to venture down a different path,” the letter states. Including the decision to promote the 22-year-old with three months of experience, members of the department said they also had public safety concerns that led them to the no confidence vote, which are all listed before: “1. Violated firefighter’s civil rights when he illegally searched personal lockers and ultimately admitted guilt. Firefighters were represented by the ACLU; the city was ordered to pay $65,163.09 in damages due to this egregious act by the fire chief (July 9, 2024). 2. Promoted cronyism by handpicking a private to be the Assistant Chief, the dept’s 2nd in command (inability to meet the minimum standards and qualifications for this position). 3. Ordered a twenty-two-year-old probationary firefighter to be the Deputy Chief (the dept’s 3rd in command). 4. Routinely undermining and micro-managing the outstanding officers of this department, thusly leading them to lose all confidence in his leadership abilities. 5. Vindictive nature that has seen the fire chief pursuing personal vendettas against firefighters that he had worked with in the past. 6. Harassed firefighters at Station 6 because of a rumor (unfounded) he heard long before he was promoted to chief (firefighters reported the harassment to HR, but the investigation was mishandled by the city). 7. Generated a toxic work environment by creating mis-truths and rumors about firefighters personal, professional, and private life matters, which promotes harassment amongst the firefighters. 8. Made an agreement to properly fill the Deputy Chief position, then reneged. 9. Decided that a photo shoot for an outside private company took precedent over public safety and withheld a 3-member Engine Company from returning to service during multiple city emergencies, during which they were urgently needed. 10. Invested in cheaper and less durable equipment, such as gloves, which has led to firefighters being exposed to bodily fluids. 11. Repeatedly tries to undermine the union with his false rhetoric and has attempted to orchestrate maneuvers that would prohibit union officers from performing their duties as advocates for the firefighters.” Members continued in the letter that the “aforementioned list” is only a small fraction of what Trenteseaux has accomplished in the last eight months, but they have “many grievances that should be settled, but his unwillingness to coexist with the local speaks volumes.” “This no confidence vote doesn’t mean the mayor will do anything about it, it doesn’t mean that fire chief will change his ways, but rest assured, he will now know our displeasure with his leadership and that alone was our sole intent,” they said. Trenteseaux sent a statement to ABC6 on the no confidence that said: “Unfortunately this vote was anticipated and has been a tactic the union leadership has used time and time again. We are aware of at least three previous Chiefs that have also been subject to votes of no confidence. The accusations made in the press release are primarily false, and exaggerated. The Union leadership has refused to work cooperatively with the Fire Department’s Leadership in addressing some of their concerns. We encourage them to do so rather than to cause a stir and incite false fear into the public.”  Categories: News