By DAMIEN FISHER, InDepthNH.org
Nottingham Fire Chief Jaye Vilchock along with the department’s lieutenant his wife, Sandra Vilchock, are out after the select board announced the end of an investigation into complaints about the pair.
The couple had been on paid administrative leave since March 23 after several members of the department lodged a complaint with selectmen, according to a statement read by Select Board member Matthew Shirland last week.
The nature of the complaint has not been disclosed. Town Administrator Ellen White has so far not answered questions from InDepthNH.org despite numerous contacts. White was frequently in meetings this week when her office was contacted.
The Vilchocks could not be reached for comment.
White has informed InDepthNH.org a redacted copy of the investigative report written by third-party consultant Charla Stevens will be made public next week.
Local journalist Doug Bates is reporting on his Substack that selectmen sent the couple a termination letter this week, though the digital copy posted to Facebook has since been deleted.
Sandra Vilchock is asking that the town release all of the materials involved in the investigation and is waiving her right to privacy, according to a letter she sent the board. The result of that request is not known.
Shirland said in his statement the town hired Stevens to look at the department after the complaints were made. That investigation involved more than a dozen interviews with members of the department, and interviews with both Vilchocks.
The interviews were conducted in May, with the last taking place on May 26, according to Shirland. The investigation was then complete and Stevens spent the next two weeks writing her report.
The select board met with the town’s attorney earlier this month to discuss the matter before reviewing the completed investigative report last week, according to Shirland.
Shirland read the statement on June 21, before the board went into a non-public session. Days later, the Vilchocks were informed of their termination, according to Bates.
Deputy Chief Matt Curry is now in command of the department.