Fitchburg Fire Chief Placed on Paid Leave During External Probe

City leaders say a confidential personnel review by an outside party is underway.

Overview

Mayor Samantha M. Squailia confirmed the leave for Chief Dante Suarez and named Assistant Chief Patrick Haverty as acting chief.
City officials said the leave relates to an external investigation and declined to share details, citing personnel rules.
Local reporting noted the paid leave began last month, with no public identification of who is conducting the review.
The acting appointment keeps leadership in place at the fire department during the inquiry.
Suarez previously served as provisional chief starting in 2021 and was confirmed as chief in 2023, according to city posts.