Injured Providence Firefighter files grievance against city over not being promoted

Injured Providence Firefighter Joseph Fontaine has filed a grievance against the city claiming he was unfairly passed over for a promotion to Battalion Chief.

“Unfortunately, my client is not being allowed to enjoy a moment in his distinguished career; a right which he is entitled to enjoy with his fellow serviceman.  This is a right he has unequivocally earned by his years of service and by successfully completing an examination,” said Fontaine’s attorney Michael Lepizzera in a written statement to ABC 6 News.

Captain Fontaine almost died last March from Cyanide poisoning after fighting a massive fire on Eaton Street. He remains off the job because of his injuries, but did study and pass the exam needed to become a Battalion Chief.

We’re told he placed within the top nine, but later found out his name was pulled from the list of firefighters being promoted.

On Friday Fontaine was noticeably absent as nine Providence Fire Captains were promoted and sworn in as Battalion Chiefs at the Public safety complex.

"I want to thank him for his service. This is not personal with him or his family, but I know it’s difficult not to take it that way,” said Public Safety Commissioner Steven Pare.

Pare says Fontaine wasn’t promoted because he’s permanently disabled, though declined to answer specifics regarding the case.

"It’s more complicated than just him not able to be promoted. It will work itself out," said Pare.

The Providence Fire Union President Paul Doughty is placing blame with Mayor Jorge Elorza.

"I am disappointed in the mayor,” said Doughty. “In my words this is just a vindictive act against the Providence firefighters taken out on Captain Fontaine,” said Providence Fire Union President Paul Doughty. "He took the test so he took personal time from his family from his own time. He passed the test by merit and he should have been on that list. To deny him that opportunity to be promoted I think just shows you the level of distrust and disrespect that we suffer on a regular basis from the Mayor’s Office."

We did reach out to Mayor Elorza. A spokeswoman told ABC 6 that he was “not a part any personnel decisions regarding the matter.” She directed us to Commissioner Pare.