The East Brentwood Fire Department released a formal statement on December 11 addressing a public claim circulated on social media by an elected official, calling the assertions misleading and emphasizing that no conviction, finding of guilt, or admission of wrongdoing occurred.

According to the statement, the matter in question was resolved through an Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal (ACD), a legal disposition that results in the full dismissal of charges after a statutory period and does not constitute a conviction. Department leadership clarified that the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office did not seek to proceed to trial and that no court ever made factual findings against the fire chief.

The statement further explained that the decision to accept the ACD was made for practical reasons, allowing continued focus on community responsibilities, including emergency response and public safety duties, rather than repeated court appearances. The department strongly rejected any suggestion that the matter posed a threat to public safety or involved harassment or intimidation.

Fire department officials also expressed concern over what they described as the mischaracterization of a procedural legal outcome as evidence of wrongdoing, warning that such portrayals undermine public trust and blur the distinction between due process and political narrative.

Reaffirming its mission, the East Brentwood Fire Department emphasized that its leadership remains committed to serving the community with transparency, fairness, and integrity, underscoring that constitutional protections and due process apply equally to all individuals.