1/5/1983 BOARD OF SELECTMEN Minutes

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Page 3. p.m. with us, what would you like to discuss?" Chief Priestly: "I just ha e a brief comment and I would like to read it if I could. " Chm. Thomas : "Sure . " Chief Priestly: I would like to give copies to -the people of the press . " Chm. Thomas : "Sure. " Chief Priestly read the following: "It is a letter dated January 4th to the Honorable Selectmen from James Priestl r subj,eet-.,..r'esignat.ion. B ing notified and effectie .imrediatelr and on rapport, pail 4, 1983 , and without Grote of confidence from the Board of Selectinent I hereby request that`-:_I be ' yr from duty as Fire Chief of the Town of I ashpee and do ap l for relieved my -pension from _the Fire Service of the ommonwe lth of Massachusetts * The note I have on the back is a press release that you asked for." Be continued to read.. " did not come to -Mashpee as the- Chief of this department with a preconceived idea of being here for only ix months , I find it totally im- possible to morally continue in this position, that after thirty four years in the Professional. Fire Service ; I find it impossible to continue because you must e a political animal in an arena that - fails to support the recom- mendations of its depart�me. t heads . As I related to the Board of selectmen that in six short Months I. .have tried vainly and so has Amy predes ors to Mashpee Fire Department, Dine to the lack of support and the fiscal revamp the i p ' laced on me I find it impossible t protect. the citizens of Mash- pee de ree ofcertainty * I think it i time' that the citizens of pee with � g p take a long, hard look at the potential dangers within the town that leas ee g, has grown , o fast and take seriously the 'idea that the public safety has got to keep in stepwith growth. Unf rtunatel r it mill take an earth shattering p experience to take public ,safety out Of the political arena and bring it to the citizens attention. Than and only than will the people be looking for someone to blame, and I do not want that- someone to be me. '.I f there .are any questions or if the -press would -li. e to ask rye further, I would be available to answer any questions .in my office . " � sel. Garland: "Before there are an questions at this timej, I would like to move that this Board accept Nix'. Priestly' s resignation. " Chm. Thomas : "I am inconcurrence with this it is just ghat is written here . " Sel. Garland. "Madame am Chairman may I suggest that regardless of the second- ary comments , the prime consideration is whether or not to accept his resignation at this time . ` �� ith his secondary pres_s•.itel.ease. . . : ` Chm, Thor�►as . I ars not concerned -with Chef Priestly; "I t is the same resignation I gage You the day before , " Chm. Thomas : "Alright, I would like to second. This is a vote. Chief Priestly: "Dismissed?" l Garland: hl-ay a a�.il . "Madame ' r an I would .like to flake a statement for the press , in view of the statement made by Mr. Priestly'.' Chm. Thomas : "Alright. "