Nahant fire chief lands in hot water

NAHANT – The town could have a new acting fire chief by the end of the week if the acting fire chief steps down amid a cloud of suspicion after less than two months on the job.Kevin Howard was appointed as acting chief March 1 when Robert Ward retired.On Monday afternoon, Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said Howard was on medical leave but has not resigned.”He (Howard) has been on sick leave since Friday,” he said. “As of right now I have not received a letter of resignation from him so he is still acting chief.”Howard was president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 but stepped down after his appointment as acting chief. Calls to Howard were not returned Monday, but two town officials who asked not be identified confirmed there have been allegations of improprieties regarding use of union funds by Howard.Union Vice President Frank Pappalardo declined to comment on the allegations.When Cullinan was asked about the allegations of theft from the firefighters union, he declined to comment on those allegations, but said Howard is not suspected of stealing from the town.”There are no allegations of theft from the town,” Cullinan said. “I cannot comment beyond that.”Cullinan said he is prepared to appoint a new acting chief by the end of the week should Howard resign.”We are hoping Lt. (Edward) Hyde could step into the void if needed,” Cullinan said. “I hope to have a conversation with him (Hyde) Friday.”Hyde has been with the department for 24 years and served as acting chief when Ward was out.