Tisbury’s termination of its fire chief came after accusations that the chief was in a romantic relationship with a subordinate, leading to allegations of favoritism and an uncomfortable work environment, according to a recently released report.

Greg Leland has been on paid administrative leave since July. The chief, who was promoted to the top position in 2020, was being investigated by the town’s legal counsel for reasons that have not been made public.

The town has not disclosed what prompted the leave, but invoices obtained by the Gazette in a public records request show town leaders have met regularly with their attorneys to discuss the chief’s employment status and have considered termination hearings.

Greg Leland, who took over the fire department’s top job in 2020, went out on leave for an undisclosed reason on July 11 and is still not back to work, according to town officials.

Main street in Vineyard Haven was partially closed for several hours Monday after firefighters responded to a faulty furnace in a building. 

Tisbury fire Chief Greg Leland has gone out on leave for an undisclosed reason. Deputy Chief Patrick Rolston will be taking his place, town officials said Thursday.

Eighteen graduates of the All-Island Firefighter I/II course received their certificates Tuesday night, having completed 145 hours of training since last October.

A minor fire at Rocco’s Pizzeria in the Tisbury Marketplace Tuesday did no damage to the building, Tisbury fire chef Greg Leland told the Gazette Wednesday morning.

A Vineyard Haven woman and three young children are safe after a Tisbury police officer rescued them from a second-floor apartment that was on fire.

Tisbury selectmen appointed a new fire chief Tuesday with none of the formality that is customary when the town names a top public safety official. Greg Leland takes the job July 1.