Selectmen vote 4-1 to terminate Fire Chief Haskell

Board of Selectmen · Meeting of April 21, 2026

Rehoboth selectmen voted 4-1 to terminate Fire Chief Mark Haskell for cause. The Board of Selectmen found he engaged in insubordination, misconduct and conduct unbecoming, and violated state conflict of interest law, after a hearing held in open session at his request. Town Counsel Karen Fisher said Selectman Rob Johnson directed Haskell in December to stay out of the Pond Street solar project, where he is an abutter, but he spoke about it at the March 4 Planning Board meeting.

Haskell's attorney, Andrew Gambacini, argued the remarks were information gathering and protected under the Whistleblower Statute. Haskell said his "only motivation is the health, safety, and welfare of my firefighters." He will be on paid leave until his final wage check is ready.

In the full story:

• The Full Story
• Haskell answered a question about personal gain this way
• One member spoke before the vote
• Why It Matters
• Key Motions & Votes
• Source
• Rehoboth's community access TV: Board of Selectmen meeting, April 21, 2026
• The complete report: 768 words

Source: the Board of Selectmen meeting of April 21, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.

Checked against the record: before publication this article was automatically compared with the meeting transcript.