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Ford announces departure for Brookline
Fire Chief Paul Ford accepts the fire chief’s position in Brookline, leaving the Fall River Fire Department after 28 years. -
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Michael Coogan, FRFD, from interim fire chief appointment to retirement.
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Coogan made interim fire chief
Mayor Will Flanagan gives Lt. Michael Coogan a 90-day appointment as interim chief, increasing his salary from $79,000 to $145,000. A dozen chiefs and higher-ranking officers walk out of a meeting with Flanagan when served the news. -
Ford leaves; Coogan begins
Paul Ford’s last official day as chief, and Michael Coogan’s first day as interim chief. -
Coogan goes on vacation
Michael Coogan leaves the department for a week-long family vacation in Florida. -
Coogan returns from vacation
Coogan returns to work as chief. -
Questions arise
The Herald News learns that Coogan was excused for union business from May 7 until Nov. 20. Later, Flanagan questions Coogan and Ford about documentation of that absence. -
Coogan removed as interim fire chief
City Administrator Shawn Cadime calls Coogan at fire headquarters to tell him he’s been removed as interim fire chief and placed on administrative leave. -
Coogan hospitalized
Coogan calls for an ambulance for treatment from his home in Assonet and is transported to Charlton Memorial Hospital. -
Mayor promises investigation
Mayor Will Flanagan says he will launch an investigation with Corporate Counsel Steven Torres and Assistant Corporate Counsel Gary Howayeck. -
Stress-related sick leave for Coogan
Coogan is directed to come in for an interview with Howayeck. Coogan declines through his lawyer, submits a doctor’s note and goes out on stress-related sick leave. The excused sick leave status is later extended to March 9. -
City warns Coogan
The city sends Coogan a letter telling him to report to an independent doctor, chosen by the city, for a medical exam. Coogan is told that failing to show for the exam would mean he’d be ordered back to work. -
Coogan reports for medical exam
Coogan reports to the city’s doctor, in Attleboro, for an independent medical exam. The city extends his sick leave until April 27. -
Coogan retires from FRFD
Coogan retires from the Fall River Fire Department, on the day his extended sick leave expires.
