Let me get this straight, Chief Bogart has been on a PAID administrative leave since May? Is it just me or does this strike anyone else in this town as odd?

Do the taxpayers of Lynnfield have the right to know WHY we are paying people to be on leave for a full month?

There were two separate incidents that resulted in him being put on administrative leave. Many people in law enforcement and other town's fire departments know of the two incidents. I will not publish them as they are not public knowledge, but I'm sure if the media does some digging, they can find out if they want.

Why is it in any other line of work, if an employee has an "incident" as you say, they are fired. How come when public officials, teachers and others who feed at the public trough have an "incident" they are placed on paid administrative leave at taxpayer's expense.

I disagree with it, but its a state law to put municipal workers on paid admin leave before firing. The public sector is all messed up.

Hopefully, Bill or some other local journalist publishes the facts of the two incidents. The tax payers deserve to know.

The citizens right to know outweighs the privacy issue when it comes to things as significant as the abrupt departure of a department head.

It seems to me that the Selectmen would know the precise details. Why has no news outlet pursued them?

The selectmen will most likely not give all details. Media will have to do some digging to get the info.

Roy, let's not forget the abrubt and unexplained departure of a Superintendent before the school year was complete.

Or the town administrator with all kinds of ethical issues. It starts from the top...

@Donny, @Bemused - I'll bet if the local Fox News affiliate or one of the other stations got interested and started chatting up the Selectmen, they'd be more inclined towards transparency.

Not when it comes to breaking the law.

The media is referred to as the fourth estate, in short to keep politicians and the like honest and inform the masses. The media needs to publish the misdeeds of Bogart, Palermo, Jefferson, Gusts and not protect them.

I can assure you all that pretty much every reporter covering the town of Lynnfield is asking around and looking into this. So far, not much seems to be coming up other than dead ends. We can't just report on rumors, we need specific facts and information to protect the publications we work for. Anyone who knows more can reach me at william.laforme@patch.com.

Bill,
If in fact all the media is doing their due diligence and looking into this matter, I think I can speak for most people and say we appreciate it. I know what happened, but I also know that you to save your butt and your company's cannot report stuff without a decent amount of facts to back it up. I just hope that the local media doesn't let the issue slide, for fear that they will not be given info by the local politicians if they squeal.

"Frankly, I have never heard any complaints about or criticism of the Chief or the manner in which he conducted himself or performed his job. As the saying goes, "There but for the grace of God and good fortune go I." I wish him well."
I cannot agree with Mr. Brady more. Chief Bogart has always been a gentleman and dedicated official in our town. He would go out of his way to help others, appear at every town event, get to know our citizens of all ages and offer a friendly and supportive demeanor to all. I am very sad to see the Chief resign. I too, wish Chief Bogart only the best.

I would like to say a bit of support to our Fire Dept, who have responded to several emergencies to help my family. If there was something done wrong, it didn't effect the service they provide which is outstanding. They helped out with all they could and that is a reflection of the leader, this Chief. What is being alluded to, well, in any case why do these people who get the power abuse it? It is all over.

This is typical Lynnfield. Everything is covered up. If this was any other town it would be all over the news!!!! Amazing how the people in power here make everything fade into thin air......

Jean, You win!!!! This is why I have been so outraged about this. I have nothing against Bogart. I just want the selectmen and town administrator to take responsibility and come clean. I agree with and acknowledge privacy issues. However, privacy issues are for personnel matters, such as if Bogart was not capable of performing his job. The issues that Bogart was forced to resign over are issues of him having DISREGARD for the law and for abusing his power.