D.A. to decide Fire Chief's fate

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Holyoke Fire commission placed provisional Holyoke Fire Chief William Moran on Paid Adminsitrative leave pending a criminal investigation.

Fire Chief William Moran's fate is now in the District Attorney's hands.

The District Attorney's office is investigating an incident that happened on Wednesday afternoon that led to taking Chief Moran off the job.

People in Holyoke were surprised to hear their Fire Chief is on paid-leave, but want to know exactly what happened.

"I was surpised when I heard it but I don't know all the facts", says Holyoke's Adam Judd.

The facts are unclear, but Holyoke Mayoral candidate Daniel Boyle told 22News he saw an accident involving a fire truck and at least one car and informed the District Attorney about what he saw and heard 2nd hand. A Dino's pizza delivery driver wouldn't go on camera but also said he saw the accident.

22News obtained a police report that shows an accident happened on Homestead Avenue and Pinchon Road Wednesday afternoon around 12:30pm.  It's not exactly clear what Chief Moran's involvement was

"Actually there hasn't been any findings, the investigation is ongoing, they're still gathering the facts and once they're done gathering the facts then we can make a decision", says Holyoke Fire Commission Chairwoman Priscilla Chesky.

Chesky told 22News the D.A.'s office told her a decision on the Chief's future should come soon.

"They haven't given us any timeline except that they're going to try to wrap it up as quickly as possible", says Chesky.

Holyoke Deputy Fire Chief Robert Shaw has been appointed interim Holyoke Fire Chief.