Former Fitchburg Fire Chief Sues City, Alleging Retaliation

FITCHBURG — Former Fitchburg Fire Chief Dante Suarez has filed a lawsuit claiming he was stripped of his post in retaliation, according to a Firehouse Magazine report. City Hall also posted notice of a newly organized tourism marketing district and an infrastructure update, while Fitchburg Public Schools confirmed there will be no classes for students on Tuesday.

TOWN HALL

The city posted formal notice of the declaration and organization of the Fitchburg Tourism Destination Marketing District, a new entity aimed at coordinating tourism promotion for the city. City Hall had not posted additional detail on the district's board or funding structure as of Monday.

Separately, the city issued an update on infrastructure work tied to the InTown Downtown project, part of the ongoing effort to modernize streets and utilities in the city's downtown core.

Ahead of Tuesday's State Primary Election, the city also posted a Spanish-language notice, "Cambios en el Lugar de Votación," alerting some voters to a change in their polling location. Residents unsure where to vote should check with the City Clerk's office before Tuesday.

SCHOOLS

Fitchburg Public Schools will have no school for students on Tuesday, September 1, as staff spend the day in professional development, the district said. The superintendent's office said staff will use the day "learning, collaborating, and preparing to support our students and strengthen our schools." Classes resume Wednesday.

COMMUNITY & ARTS

Downtown merchants and diners will get another round of First Thursday InTown Fitchburg, the monthly evening event, running Thursday, September 3, through Friday, September 4, with participating businesses staying open late along Main Street.

ELSEWHERE IN THE NEWS

"Claiming Retaliation, Former Fitchburg, MA, Fire Chief Files Lawsuit," Firehouse Magazine reported. Former Fire Chief Dante Suarez says he was removed from his position and has filed suit, alleging the move was retaliatory, according to Firehouse Magazine (read it at https://www.firehouse.com/careers-education/news/55401739/claiming-retaliation-former-fitchburg-ma-fire-chief-files-lawsuit).

COMING UP

Tuesday, September 1: State Primary Election; voters should confirm their polling location given the city's recent notice.

Wednesday, September 2: Conservation Commission meeting.

Thursday, September 3, through Friday, September 4: First Thursday InTown Fitchburg, downtown Main Street.

Compiled from official town feeds, community organizations, and local press. Outside reporting is attributed inline.