By JON BAKER

LINCOLN — It was about 5:50 p.m., Wednesday when firefighters pulled an engine out of its bay at the Albion Fire Department and traveled up School Street, sirens blaring, en route to a call.

Rick Petrin sat on the front porch of his home — for an 8-year-old a mere rock toss from the station he grew up in and later became chief — and shook his head.
‘This is the worst for me. I used to be a part of all that, and I’m not anymore,” he said as a former colleague honked the engine’s horn, recognizing Petrin’s presence. “I used to have a beeper for all those calls.
“Not anymore,” he added, attempting to maintain stoicism. “I miss being involved. I just want to clear my name.”
Earlier this year, Petrin was informed by the Albion Board of Fire Commissioners, headed by chairman Michael Allen, that his contract would not be renewed after an approximate four-year stint as chief. The dismissal, official as of March 15, occurred as a result of in-town taxpayer Michael Napolitano’s allegations — back in October — that the district and Petrin had conducted unlawful, unannounced closed meeting; had not posted meeting or hearing agendas; and also illegitimately used district credit cards during fire chief conventions.
The fire commissioners later brought their complaints to the office of Attorney General Patrick Lynch, and also the State Police. Following thorough investigations by both, Petrin and the district received letters -- one dated Jan. 31, the other March 28 -- from Lynch’s office clearing both of the aforementioned charges.
Petrin claimed that to be bittersweet news for him and his family.
“I was terminated in January of 2008; that’s when I was informed my contract wouldn’t be renewed, and they wanted the fire department to move in a different direction,” said Petrin, now working for a Cumberland construction firm by day and as a Lonsdale call firefighter by night. “I was stunned and shocked; actually, speechless is a better term. My family was devastated. My wife, Michelle, couldn’t believe it, and my two children felt the same way. In fact, my son, Daniel, was a call firefighter in Albion, and he quit. He wanted to support his father.
“When I received final word from the Attorney General’s office on March 28 that the fire district had been cleared of all complaints filed, I felt excellent,” he added. “The girl who ran the (Albion district) front office, Christine Morrissette, knew the letter of the law, and what we could and couldn’t do. She was a 17-year employee, but she retired and moved away.
“I’ve been cleared by the AG, and by the state police, so this is the time to let the public know that I’m innocent. I didn’t do anything (of which) I was accused, and neither did the employees of the district … These allegations have cost the fire district thousands to defend. It’s all about small-town politics, and I’m absolutely a victim of it.
“It’s changed our lives. We (as a family) have started to get back on our feet, but it still hurts. It’s going to take a long time to get over … Now the problem is clearing my name, which I want desperately to do. I can’t tell what people are thinking by the way they react, but -- in the back of people’s minds -- I think they’re still like, ‘Hmmm, I wonder.’”
Board of Fire Commissioners chairman Allen rebuffed the claim that Petrin had been cleared.
“Whoever gave you that information is incorrect,” he said Wednesday evening. “We’ve been told that there’s another item pending. I don’t know what that item is, but I wouldn’t be allowed to address that on order of our attorney.
“I have no response (to the letters from the Attorney General’s office),” he continued. “This is something that has nothing to do with a non-renewal of a contract. In business, both sides have the opportunity to walk away from a contract, and that’s it. He’s already received all of his compensation. We’ve paid him … We didn’t set out to oust anybody … This is not a witch hunt. I’ll say it again, he could’ve done the same thing (in regard to his contract) and left us in the lurch.
“We have a responsibility to make sure everything (in the district) is done above board; you want to make sure everything the fire department is doing is on the up-and-up … My life has been turned upside down, just like everyone else. I believe other items are still pending.”
More recently, the Rhode Island Association of Fire Chiefs sent a press release, via Regan Communications Group, supporting Petrin.
“Chief Petrin has demonstrated his dedication and commitment to the Albion Fire District, the Town of Lincoln and the fire service community for more than 30 years,” said RIAFC President Chief Timothy McLaughlin. “His recent dismissal … despite his impeccable service record, improvements to the department, reputation in the community and loyalty to and from his department … is an injustice to the fire service, and the Albion community.”
Frank Sylvester, Lime Rock Fire District Chief, contributed more.
“What they did to Rick, I’d never want to happen to me or any other chief I know,” he offered. “Even perceptions, sometimes, people take as a reality. He’s dedicated his entire life to fire prevention, and so has his family, and it was taken away almost on a whim.”
Added Lime Rock Assostant Chief Arthur Jacques: “It’s a travesty, and I was shocked when I head the news. As a chief, he was innovative, a hard worker, and he kept the career and volunteer firefighters together. I know he had a great working relationship with both.
“Rick is a good friend of mine, and I will support him 110 percent in whatever new avenue he chooses to travel. I feel bad for him and his family. He doesn’t deserve this.”
Petrin, who began as a junior volunteer in Albion at age 14, indicated he’ll continue his pursuit of a career in the fire service -- anywhere.
“I miss it,” he said, still relaxing on his porch. “It’s been my whole life. It’s my passion.”