East Lyme Deputy Fire Chief Fired Amid Probe: Town

EAST LYME, CT — Deputy Fire Chief Erik Quinn’s employment has been terminated, effective immediately, the first selectman’s office announced Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the town indicated Quinn was being put on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into fire-related incidents.

According to the Connecticut State Police, its Fire & Explosives Investigation Unit is currently investigating a series of fires in East Lyme dating back to fall 2024 in conjunction with the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection and East Lyme officials.

“The investigation is active and ongoing at this time, and this is all of the information we currently have available for release,” state police said, in an email Thursday.

On Wednesday, First Selectman Daniel Cunningham announced Quinn’s termination.

The town’s internal investigation is still ongoing, but Cunningham said he has decided to fire Quinn immediately.

Cunningham cited the loss of public trust in Quinn’s leadership for his decision.

“After careful consideration, I have determined that the community’s trust in the Fire Services leadership has been significantly compromised,” Cunningham said, in an announcement. “In the interest of restoring that trust and ensuring the continued effectiveness of our emergency services, I have made the decision to terminate Deputy Chief Quinn's employment.”

According to Cunningham, his decision to fire Quinn was made independently of the investigation’s outcome. Cunningham attributed his decision to the “broader responsibility to uphold public confidence in town services.”

Quinn had been on paid administrative leave since May 5.

Quinn could not be reached for comment.

The town will have interim leadership in place to ensure continuity of operations in the fire department, according Cunningham.