Former Pawtucket firefighters sue city over drug allegation firings

PAWTUCKET, R.I. — Six former Pawtucket firefighters are suing the city, claiming they were unjustly terminated earlier this year after facing drug-related accusations by the department.

In April, city officials announced that four firefighters had been fired and four others had resigned or retired following the completion of an internal investigation and the start of a criminal inquiry. In May, the city dismissed two more firefighters. Despite the series of disciplinary actions, the city has not publicly detailed the specific accusations involved.

According to the lawsuit, the firefighters believe the city did not follow proper procedures during the termination process and note that Pawtucket lacked a policy addressing the off-duty use of cannabis. Internal allegations reportedly involved using or buying and selling marijuana while on duty, although not everyone was accused of the same conduct.

The six plaintiffs, identified as Thomas Trabulsi, Lareto Guglietta, Clinton Lyles, Jonathan Sundquist, Noah Leblanc, and Stephen Gomes, are seeking reinstatement, back pay, and damages. All six of the men insist they were wrongly accused of being under the influence while working and claim the city has never provided evidence to support the allegations against them.

With the criminal investigation still underway, neither the Rhode Island Office of the Attorney General nor the City of Pawtucket is providing comment.

Back in April the the city’s attorney, Vincent Ragosta, commented on the situation stating “I have seen cases that are very atrocious in terms of behavior, but I haven’t seen anything to this degree or this extent and, if I might say, as bold as this in terms of the rather cavalier approach to their criminal conduct.” Ragosta further stated, “it’s very disturbing in the sense that it brings into question their fitness to go out and respond when that bell rings.”

Pawtucket firefighters sue city over drug allegation firings.