NH Fire Chief Reinstated Despite Ruling

In a move that took many by surprise, the New Hampshire fire chief who lost his bid in court to retain his position, has been reinstated as fire chief.

On Monday, Board of Selectmen of the Town of New Durham voted 2-1 to reappoint Peter Varney as fire chief. Chief Varney was removed back in 2014 without notice or a hearing. At the time he was at home and happened to be watching the selectmen’s meeting when they began to deliberate his continued employment and ultimately voted to remove him 2-1 without his input.

Last week we covered a decision by Strafford County Superior Court Judge Brian Tucker that concluded that the Town of New Durham was within its rights to terminate Fire Chief Peter Varney without notice or cause.

Chief Varney’s reappointment took effect immediately and appears to make an appeal of Judge Tucker’s ruling unnecessary.

Congratulations to Chief Varney on his reappointment!!!

Here is more on the story.

Original Story.

Last Week’s story.