BURLINGTON, Vt. (AP) - A Vermont firefighter accused of simple assault while he was on duty has resigned, the Burlington city fire department announced Friday.
The incident happened outside the Burlington Police Department on the night of Nov. 21. The fire department was able to get video footage from the building’s cameras which shows a man approach a group of four firefighters standing in the street near a fire department vehicle. One firefighter pushes him away with an outstretched arm and when the man approaches him again he shoves the man with both arms and the man falls backward onto the sidewalk.
Kevan Mahoney was placed on administrative leave while an internal investigation took place, the department said.
“The Department takes these accusations very seriously and understands the trust the public places with us. The video of this incident is very concerning and the actions taken by Firefighter Mahoney are not in line with the Department’s mission, vision or values,” said Fire Chief Steven Locke in a statement.
The man was taken to the hospital for evaluation and released the following morning, Locke said.
Mahoney could not be reached for comment. It was not immediately know if he is being represented by an attorney. No phone listing exists in his name.
Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger called the behavior unacceptable.
“The role of our City’s public employees is to provide care and service for Burlingtonians, and our residents need to know that when they call for help they will receive it in a safe and professional manner,” said Mayor Miro Weinberger. “This behavior is unacceptable in a Fire Department that regularly demonstrates its commitment to serving and protecting our public, and Mr. Mahoney is being held to account.”
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