
Updated Feb. 25
Former Oak Bluffs Fire Chief John Rose has joined the West Tisbury Fire Department. West Tisbury Fire Chief Greg Pachico said Rose will be assigned to a fire tanker on a six-month probationary period.
Rose resigned from the Oak Bluffs Fire Department in January 2018 amid sexual harassment claims and ambulance billing issues that drew an FBI investigation. Rose retired a few months after he resigned.
Last year, Rose attempted to join the Tisbury Ambulance Service, but reportedly didn’t succeed. Tisbury Fire Chief Greg Leland told The Times Rose pulled no shifts and received no pay.
Chief Pachico said Rose was brought onboard at the West Tisbury Fire Department with the knowledge of his history in Oak Bluffs. Pachico said Rose was hesitant to join because he didn’t want to bring a “black cloud” over the department. However, Pachico said, he believes Rose has “learned his lesson” and is too talented a firefighter to remain untapped. “He can be a valuable asset to the town of West Tisbury as a firefighter,” Pachico said.
Pachico said Rose will not be in a supervisory role, and will have “nothing to do with billing or paperwork of any sort.”
Pachico said he believes it’s important to remember accusations were made against Rose but he hasn’t been found guilty of anything.
A Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) complaint and a superior court lawsuit that were previously brought against Rose by a former Oak Bluffs Fire Department employee who alleged sexual harassment and retaliation were dropped after a $97,500 settlement was reached with the town.
On Friday, the FBI’s Boston office declined to comment on the status of the investigation into the Oak Bluffs Fire Department.
West Tisbury select board members Skipper Manter and Cynthia Mitchell individually deferred comment on Rose until the next select board meeting. Town administrator Jennifer Rand declined comment on Rose.
Rose referred a request for comment to his attorney, James Tewhey.
Asked about the FBI investigation, Tewhey said, “The investigation has been going on for two, three years — absolutely nothing has come of it. Nobody has been indicted.”
Tewhey went on to say the West Tisbury Fire Department was drawn to Rose’s talent. “They thought well enough of his skills and experience to hire him,” he said.
Updated with comments from Rose’s attorney. — Ed.
Congratulations John and best of luck in your new position!
Let the man get on with his life. Chief Pachico is “spot on”. John has a wealth of knowledge of fire and ems.
Congrats Johnny Rose. One door closes another door opens. That’s what they do. You are a great teacher. Supporting of your Team. West Tiz is lucky to have you.
Congratulations, John. It’s great to have you working with West Tisbury’s wonderful team of emts.
good for you john and good move by w. tisbury. a good talent should not go to waste.
Good to have his skills available no matter what department he is part of. He will be a asset to the town.
Chief Pachico;GOOD IDEA;GOOD INITIATIVE…SMART MOVE.. on you goJOHN ROSE
West Tisbury is lucky to have you GOOD LUCK
John is a very smart talented EMT and firefighter. Glad that he is going to be able to put his knowledge to good use.
I remember as his babysitter he was very smart and loved fire trucks.
Make your dad and mom proud.
Good luck John.
Perhaps Mr Rose has learned “his” lesson.
I know he has the fire fighting skills. Curious what ever happened to the FBI investigation of MVH / OBEMT ambulance service charges?? MV Times maybe a follow up story??
Thanks, Chief Pacheco! I’m in agreement with your viewpoint regarding John Rose. I was privileged to work with him as a volunteer EMT for several years before going into nursing. It’s true he’s got shortcomings… but I’d also like to say I witnessed firsthand his astonishing ability to become an oasis of calm authority in the middle of mind numbing, soul shaking disasters.
Yup, gifted, yup flawed… West Tisbury is lucky to have him.
Congratulations!! Everyone makes poor decisions in their lifetime, and sometimes others never want to let them forget it. People change, they grow and I think that Mr. Pachico is SPOT ON and I think he’s a great guy for giving John the opportunity to put his skills to use. Good luck and God bless!
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