Acting Nahant fire chief backing crew amid voluntary examinations

NAHANT – Acting Fire Chief Edward Hyde on Tuesday defended the members of his department against allegations of drug use at the station made by embattled Firefighter Kevin Howard.Howard has been on paid sick leave since April, when embezzlement allegations against him surfaced. Last week, Howard said he has used cocaine and purchased it from a fellow firefighter at the station.Hyde said the allegations made by Howard are “ridiculous.” He said the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718 has requested all full-time firefighters, including Hyde, submit to voluntary drug tests.Hyde, who has been with the department for 24 years, said the department has contracted with Willow Laboratories and the drug test results would be made public. The acting chief said half of the members of the fire department have already submitted to testing and he expects the rest of the tests to be completed before the end of the week.”There is not a drug problem in the department,” he said. “I have never witnessed or had any knowledge of drug use or illegal activities by any member of the fire department while on or off duty in my 24 years.”Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said he is pleased the union stepped up and asked for voluntary drug tests.”They should be commended for taking this upon themselves,” he said. “They requested the drug testing.”Hyde pointed out the department has a zero tolerance policy for drug use and per union contract, any member of the department suspected of drug or alcohol abuse is subject to random testing.”These unsubstantiated allegations are an insult to the department,” Hyde said. “The residents of Nahant count on us to provide assistance in an emergency. We run a two-man shift and rely on each other in life-threatening situations.”Cullinan said whether Howard should be allowed to remain on paid sick leave is something the town is looking at, with the assistance of town counsel and a labor attorney.Howard, who has been a firefighter for 11 years, was president of 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.Attorney Neil Rossman, who represents the Local 2718, said Lynn District Court Assistant Clerk Magistrate Daniel Day determined this week that there was probable cause to issue a criminal complaint against Howard.