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Update: Firefighter David McGillis says he is sorry for hitting the selectman
A police report in Bridgewater, Massachusetts identifies Firefighter David McGillis as the man accused of punching Selectman Christopher Flynn at Barrett’s Ales House on Friday morning. According to ExaminerNews.com, police will be seeking charges of assault and battery and threats to commit a crime against the 44-year-old McGillis.
McGillis is listed on the Bridgewater Fire Department’s website as being assigned to Group (shift) 3.
Police, fire officials and Firefighter McGillis have apparently been unavailable for comment and the paper is basing much of its information on the police report and statements by Christopher Flynn.
Here are excerpts from the article by Theresa Knapp Enos:
According to the police report, Flynn was approached by two Bridgewater firefighters when one of them — later identified as McGillis — told Flynn that “if firemen lose their jobs he will go after and kill” Flynn and Selectman Mike Demos.
Flynn and Demos have been calling for staff reductions for months as a way to deal with expected budget shortfalls. Demos declined to comment.
Flynn, 26, said the punch left a small welt on his right cheek.
“I don’t mind taking one on the chin for 27,000 people,” he said. “Because, at the end of the day, I’m doing what I know to be the right thing for Bridgewater regardless of how unpopular it may be.”
Earlier this week, selectmen released preliminary budget figures showing a reduction to the fire department that could result in the loss of eight firefighters.
According to the police report, McGillis told police that, “He walked over and asked Flynn why he was screwing with (McGillis’) brother firefighters and police.”
McGillis also told police that Flynn had used an expletive and put a hand on McGillis’ shoulder, causing McGillis to feel threatened and punch Flynn once in the face, according to the report.
McGillis denied making any death threat, according to the report.
In an interview, Flynn said he didn’t swear at McGillis and didn’t put a hand on McGillis.
“I am not mad but I’m disappointed — I don’t want the actions of one person to cloud the reputation of a really great department,” Flynn said. “I am also disappointed that he knowingly provided false information.”
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I am certain that there is more to this story. I can't believe for a minute that some cocky 26 year old politician didn't somehow provoke this attack in order to put a bad light on the firefighters' union. Just another egomaniac politician trying to make a name for himself.
Before any Fire department or Law Enforcement services are cut in any municipality, the salaries of all elected officials should be cut completely as politicians are "non-essential" services. Let the politicans serve for free until their mess has been corrected.
Buzz, it seems like you are trying to justify physical violence. I didn't realize it was okay to punch someone if that person "provoked" it. At 44 years old, there's no excuse for the firefighter's actions…how old are you, Buzz?
There certainly is no justification for the actions of this firefighter. I will say that everyone has a breaking point. You can run into burning buildings for 20 years and risk you life for complete strangers without even raising your blood pressure. But, when someone comes along and threatens your livelihood… This firefighter was probably throwing ladders and dragging hose when that 26 year old kid was still crapping in his diaper and now he comes along and threatens these guys with losing their homes and their pensions and putting their families out on the street? I'm sure that there are two sides to this story. BTW, I am old enough to know that I don't need some bleeding heart pacifist sympathizing with a two faced politician who probably got what he had coming.
I agree buzz, a young politician always lacks the maturiaty. Hopefully he gets a few more to the face.