Rehoboth fire chief removed after dispute over solar farm project

REHOBOTH, Mass. (WJAR) — The Rehoboth Board of Selectmen voted Tuesday to remove Fire Chief Mark Haskell following a dispute tied to a solar farm project next to his home.

The board voted 4-1 to terminate Haskell, citing conflict of interest and insubordination. The decision came during a public meeting at the Council on Aging building, where the room fell silent after the vote.

Town officials said Haskell violated ethics rules by speaking out against the solar farm on Pond Street while identifying himself as fire chief during public meetings. The project abuts property owned by Haskell and his family.

“Because the chief owns property abutting the solar farm, he has a financial interest,” town officials said during the meeting.

According to town leadership, that financial interest meant Haskell should not have participated in discussions about the project.

Haskell pushed back on that claim.

“I have nothing to gain and nothing to lose,” he said. “The project’s already built there’s nothing I could do that would render me whole as to the damage that’s already been done.”

Board Chairman Skip Vadnais said the situation could have been avoided.

“This could have been handled in a different way by the chief,” Vadnais said. “It’s an unfortunate thing.”

Vadnais said Haskell should have stepped away from the issue.

“He should have totally backed away from the situation, appointed his inspector and let the inspector do his job,” he said.

A solar farm project in Rehoboth. (WJAR)

Haskell said his concerns were focused on safety, including fire risks tied to lithium batteries and emergency response protocols at the site. He also stood by his actions following the vote.

“They were out for me, so they got me,” Haskell said.

When asked why he believed that, Haskell said, “You have to ask them. We’ll find out in court.”

Haskell, who was promoted to chief last fall, said he plans to pursue legal action against the town.

The chairman said the deputy fire chief will serve as interim chief while the town searches for a replacement.