North Adams Fire Chief Returns To Duty
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Police Department concluded the investigation of a pedestrian accident involving Fire Chief Brent Lefebvre and has deemed the incident was accidental with no criminal element.
“It was determined that this was an unfortunate accident with no criminal elements,” Mayor Jennifer Macksey wrote in a statement released Wednesday. “Chief Lefebvre was issued Massachusetts Uniform Citation for failure to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. As a result of these findings, Chief Lefebvre has returned to full duty effective immediately. We hope for a speedy recovery for the victim.”
The statement regarding the July 6 incident read that speed was not a factor in the accident and that the pedestrian was in the marked crosswalk on Veazie Street.
Chief Lefebvre’s vehicle struck the pedestrian as she turned north onto Veazie Street from River Street.
After the collision, Chief Lefebvre exited his vehicle and rendered emergency medical aid to the victim. He also made the emergency call into dispatch.
According to the report, upon arrival, Police witnessed Lefebvre providing aid to the victim. The report stated that he immediately told the arriving officers that “it was me.”
The victim's belongings were spread out in the roadway. Police reported that she had suffered an injury to the back of her head and was disorientated.
According to the Chief’s statement, he was traveling east on River Street coming from a physical therapy appointment in Williamstown heading home. He stopped in traffic near the intersection of River Street and Veazie Street. Instead of waiting in traffic, he made a left turn onto Veazie Street.
Per the report, the Chief stated that he never saw a pedestrian in the roadway until his vehicle made contact. He stated that he was traveling approximately 5 miles per hour at the time.
The police report stated that the victim had told them that she had suffered a skull fracture, a brain bleed, and a broken finger.
The fire chief was placed on paid administrative leave following the incident on Thursday, July 6.
