Former Wilmington fire chief Anthony Goode, whose actions spurred the local firefighter's union to submit a "no confidence" letter to the city, has been demoted, but not fired, so that he can work for an early pension.
Mayor Mike Purzycki announced Tuesday that Goode will become a senior firefighter and will be on "special assignment" for about five months until he is eligible to retire. Purzycki removed Goode as fire chief last week.
Union president Kevin Turner says the agreement entitles Goode to half of the salary he made last year — about $109,000 — plus benefits. The 43-year-old will receive paychecks ahead of the standard pension age of 62.
Councilwoman Loretta Walsh says Goode earned whatever financial costs he faced from his removal.
Purzycki says denying Goode a pension would have been "unduly harsh."
