D.A. launches investigation focused on fire chief

Date: 6/22/2011

June 22, 2011

By G. Michael Dobbs

Managing Editor

HOLYOKE — Holyoke City Solicitor Lisa Ball confirmed to Reminder Publications that a state trooper assigned to the office of Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni would be conducting an investigation into a June 15 incident involving Holyoke Interim Fire Chief William Moran and his brother Deputy Chief Tim Moran.

Mastroianni said that he expects the investigation to "wrap up soon" and then the facts will be examined to see what, if any, charges should be made.

The incident was brought to Mastroianni's attention by Mayor Elaine Pluta's office. Mayoral candidate Daniel Boyle then sent a letter to the district attorney and the media last week. Boyle feared an internal investigation into the matter would not be adequate as he said there is a political connection between Mayor Elaine Pluta and the two firefighters.

Pluta's office released the following statement last week: "The Holyoke Fire Commission states that Interim Fire Chief William Moran has been placed on paid administrative leave effective June 15, 2011 pending an internal investigation by the Fire Commission due to an incident at the Holyoke Fire Department today."

Ball said the action was confirmed at an emergency meeting of the Fire Commission on June 17. She added that Tim Moran was still on duty.

In his letter, Boyle wrote, "As a resident of the City of Holyoke, I am requesting that your office conduct an independent investigation into the potentially criminal actions of two officers of the Holyoke Fire Department, Provisional Chief William Moran and his brother, Deputy Chief Tim Moran. For the sake of full disclosure, in addition to being a Holyoke resident, I am a candidate for mayor. But, I hope that will not adversely influence your decision in this matter.

"Following is information concerning my request:

"On Wednesday, June 15, sometime around 12:00 Noon to 1 p.m., Chief Moran and Deputy Chief Moran were parked in a mini-mall at the corner of Westfield Road and Homestead Avenue when they saw two firefighters from Station 6 go into Strum's, a local deli, to order lunch.

"Apparently intending to disrupt their plans, Chief Moran telephoned fire headquarters and told the dispatcher something to the effect that there was a need to investigate a fire at the Holyoke Mall and to sound an alarm.

"I am told that Deputy Chief Moran went into Strum's and asked the firefighters if they heard the alarm, as the fire apparatus would be going out from their fire station.

"As soon as the alarm sounded, the fire truck drove out of the station and onto Homestead Avenue.

"A woman driving her car on Homestead slammed on her brakes and her car was rear-ended by another vehicle. I believe three motor vehicles were involved in the accident and some citizens were injured.

"If the foregoing is correct, Fire Chief Moran would be guilty of calling in a false alarm and Deputy Chief Moran would be equally as guilty because he participated in the prank."

Boyle has claimed the Pluta Administration may be taking steps to protect the two men as he said both were "key campaign managers" for Pluta's mayoral campaign in which she defeated Boyle.

He also wrote, "As you may know, the three members of the Fire Commission were appointed by Mayor Pluta and Fire Commission Chairman Priscilla Chesky held a fundraiser at their home for Mayor Pluta this past March."

Boyle asserted the Pluta Administration could not undertake an impartial evaluation.