NY Fire Chief Hit with Multiple Charges of Misconduct

May 19—SARATOGA SPRINGS- Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Joseph Dolan has now been placed on administrative leave without pay after the Public Safety Department filed 16 charges of misconduct against Dolan.

"The Department of Public Safety has agreed with Chief Dolan and his counsel not to release any further details until after a conference among the interested parties, which is scheduled for late afternoon Tuesday, May 23, 2023," said James Montagnino, the public safety commissioner.

Dolan, a 25-year veteran with the department, has been on paid leave since Feb. 1 following a complaint received by Montagnino on Jan. 27 alleging Dolan was working for two fire departments.

Dolan's attorney Brian Culnan, of Albany-based law firm O'Connell & Aronowitz, has denied the claim.

While the details of the charges have not been released, at least one of the other charges is expected to related to Dolan's use of a city-owned vehicle, which is now the subject of a grievance Dolan has filed to the state Public Employment Relations Board alleging improper labor practices by the city.

Culnan could not immediately be reached for comment. However, Culnan has previously called the situation a "political hit job" by Montagnino and his "minions."

The city's firefighters union announced in May 1 that it had voted no confidence in the fire chief and made a request to Montagnino that he be removed.

Assistant Chief Aaron Dyer has been overseeing operations of the department while Dolan has been on leave.

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