Commissioner Montagnino: Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Facing Sixteen Charges of Misconduct

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sixteen formal charges of misconduct have been filed against Saratoga Springs Fire Chief Joseph Dolan, according to city Public Safety Commissioner James Montagnino. 

With the filing of the charges, Chief Dolan’s employment status goes from paid administrative leave to suspension without pay, Montagnino said in a statement. 

The 16 charges, the details of which were released May 23, include multiple allegations of Dolan’s attending training at the State Academy of Fire Sciences in Montour Falls, as well as providing training at the Saratoga County Fire Training Center Center, and at the Troy Fire Department for which he was paid by the state, while not charging “leave time,” and so also being paid full salary as city fire chief. 

The charges also allege an intent to obtain personal benefit by using a city-owned vehicle for personal use. 

“I don’t believe there’s anything here that would warrant the termination of the Chief’s employment,”  said Dolan’s attorney, Brian Culnan. “Based on the facts as I understand them, it’s obvious to me that the city is really not aware of a lot of the facts here and has charged him with a lot of stuff in which there’s really no wrongdoing.”  

Dolan’s response to the commissioner’s allegations is anticipated in early June.