Provocative photo shoot part of reason Deputy Holyoke Fire Chief Timothy Moran retired

HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse says that an unauthorized fire house photo shoot involving scantily-clad women formed part of the reason for the sudden retirement of Deputy Fire Chief Timothy Moran.

In a statement released to 22News, Morse said that another issue that led to the retirement this week of Deputy Chief Moran was an investigation into Moran's involvement in an incident a year ago that resulted in criminal charges against his brother.

Moran was suspended five days without pay by Fire Chief John Pond after the chief learned of the June photo shoot, in which models posed with fire trucks and other equipment.

Mayor Morse said the photo shoot was "poor judgment.”

“This incident should not taint the hardworking men and women of the Holyoke Fire Department. Such behavior is inappropriate and unacceptable, and such actions will be met with consequences, no matter who you are," Morse said.

Fire Commission Chairman Christopher Hopewell told 22News that after Pond suspended Moran for five days, the deputy chief filed a grievance with the Fire Commission. The commission upheld Moran's suspension, and the 20-year veteran retired after that. Moran will receive his full pension and will not receive further discipline.

Hopewell said no other members of the department are being investigated, and no one else will be disciplined.

In the previously mentioned incident, Moran’s brother, former Acting Fire Chief William Moran, is accused of phoning-in a call for a fake emergency at the Holyoke Mall. A four-car accident happened after a car pulled over when seeing a responding fire truck.