After being placed on administrative leave amid allegations of inappropriate behavior, Winooski Fire Chief David Bergeron resigned Monday.
Bergeron, 65, has worked with the Fire Department for 43 years and filled the chief’s role for the past 26 years, said his lawyer Bill Norful. Bergeron also worked as building inspector, according to the city of Winooski’s news release issued Monday.
Bergeron has been on paid administrative leave since March 22, and his resignation will become effective May 21, according to the release.
“The resignation was mutual,” said Norful. “He’s enjoyed the city work very much.”
Norful declined to comment further.
At the time of the initial investigation on March 22, City Manager Katherine Decarreau declined to comment but provided a redacted letter sent to Bergeron notifying him of the city’s investigation. The redaction was to protect the privacy of another city worker, Decarreau said. The letter cited “inappropriate conduct” and “printing inappropriate materials on city property” on March 17.
Decarreau declined to comment on Bergeron’s resignation Wednesday.
Bergeron’s responsibilities as fire chief are being carried out by acting Fire Chief John Spittle, while the code enforcement office has assumed responsibility for his building inspection responsibilities, the release stated.
