Embattled Nahant firefighter alleges drug use at station

NAHANT – A Nahant firefighter accused of embezzling union funds said several members of the department have bought, sold and used cocaine while on duty.Firefighter Kevin Howard, who went out on sick leave in April after the embezzlement allegations surfaced, admitted he purchased and used cocaine at the fire station.Howard said one of the other firefighters sold him and another firefighter the drugs at the firehouse on more than one occasion.”He sold it to me and another guy,” Howard said. “There is a drug, pot and alcohol problem at the station.”Howard said he has not used drugs since April and his fellow Jakes are trying to force him out because he blew the whistle on numerous problems within the department.”I’ve been clean and sober since April,” he said. “There are a lot of problems in the department that I tried to correct when I was chief so the guys tried to force me out. They wanted me to transfer and I refused.”Howard, who has been a firefighter for 11 years, was president of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 until he was appointed acting chief on March 1. He served as acting chief until April 29 when he went on paid sick leave after allegations he embezzled union funds to fuel his drug habit. The allegations surfaced when the incoming Union President Joshua Mahoney reportedly discovered money missing from the union accounts.Earlier this month, the union lodged a request for a criminal complaint against Howard in Lynn District Court. The request for a criminal complaint alleges he made numerous purchases for his personal use at Home Depot, Shaw’s and Walmart, using International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 accounts. It also alleges during various ATM transactions he made approximately $7,600 in cash withdrawals from union accounts. Finally, the complaint alleges Howard submitted receipts to the town for his personal purchases and then kept the reimbursements he received from the town.Attorney Neil Rossman, who represents the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718, said drug use on duty is grounds for termination.”It appears that Mr. Howard has at least implicated himself in drug use on duty, which is a fireable offense,” Rossman said. “Whether others did it or not I am not privy to that information. But Mr. Howard implicated himself in a situation that is a fireable offense.”Acting Fire Chief Edward Hyde, who was appointed after Howard stepped down as acting chief, said it is in the hands of the court.”The truth will come out in court,” Hyde said. “I am not going to try this in the newspaper.”Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said no one has contacted him regarding alleged drug and alcohol use at the fire station.”This is the first I’ve heard of it,” he said. “I have no knowledge of it and it could be a disgruntled firefighter making allegations. I’ll look into it.”