Nahant firefighters pass drug test

NAHANT – Drug test results on all eight active duty firefighters came back negative, according to Town Administrator Mark Cullinan.The members of the department were voluntarily tested following allegations of drug use in the department by embattled Firefighter Kevin Howard, who is currently out on paid sick leave.Howard, who served as acting chief briefly earlier this year, 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.All full time firefighters submitted to the voluntary drug test at the request of the International Association of Fire Fighters Local 2718. Howard was the only full time member of the department who did not submit to the drug testing.Acting Fire Chief Edward Hyde, who is one of the eight tested, said the test results do not come as a surprise.”We’re happy with the results,” he said. “It is exactly what we expected. It’s too bad the town had to spend money on something unnecessary like this during these tough fiscal times.”Hyde said the allegations made by Howard were ridiculous and Cullinan added he has faith in the members of the department.”I have complete trust in the Nahant firefighters,” Cullinan said. “They are dedicated professionals and I commend them all for stepping forward and volunteering to be tested. Hopefully the results will put this unsettling issue to rest.”Attorney Neil Rossman, who represents Local 2718, also said the negative results were not surprising.”The results are what I expected based on what I have been told by members of the fire department,” he said. “When the story came out they said there was nothing to it.”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. This week Lynn District Court Assistant Clerk Magistrate Daniel Day determined there was probable cause to issue a criminal complaint against Howard for misusing union funds.