08/10/2026
Charlton Firefighters Local 4023 in Massachusetts has issued a formal vote of no confidence in Chief Rob Barton, accusing him of creating a hostile work environment and engaging in harassment, retaliation and vindictive behavior. The union says a whopping 20 of the department’s 26 firefighters have left since Barton took over 21 months ago. The town administrator did confirm that 20 fire department employees separated from town service during that period but declined further comment because of an ongoing personnel matter. The union is asking the Select Board to review the allegations and high turnover.