Nahant’s Howard faces termination

NAHANT – A Civil Service termination hearing for Firefighter Kevin Howard is slated to get under way Friday morning, according to Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan.Howard, who has been a firefighter for 11 years, went on paid sick leave after allegations surfaced that he embezzled thousands of dollars from the International Association of FireFighters Local 2718.Howard was president of Local 2718 until he was appointed acting chief.Calls to attorney Richard B. Reiling, who represents Howard, were not returned Tuesday.Cullinan said attorney David Grunebaum of Wellesley has agreed to serve as the hearing officer.Cullinan said the hearing has been scheduled for Friday morning at 8:30 a.m. in Town Hall, but it is unlikely to be open to the public.Such a hearing is only open to the public and press if the employee requests it to be open.”My understanding is Mr. Howard does not want the hearing open,” Cullinan said.Howard is also facing criminal charges in connection with the alleged embezzlement.He was arraigned in Lynn District Court last fall on charges of larceny over $250.The charges allege Howard made numerous purchases for his personal use at Home Depot, Shaw’s and Walmart, using union accounts. It also alleged that during various ATM transactions he made approximately $7,600 in cash withdrawals from union accounts.