WARWICK, R.I. (AP) - The deputy chief of the Cranston Fire Department has pleaded not guilty to assaulting a fellow firefighter.
Paul Valletta, who is also head of the firefighter’s union, appeared in court Tuesday on misdemeanor charges of simple assault and disorderly conduct. He said after his arraignment that he looked forward to the truth coming out.
Valletta was arrested earlier this month after a lieutenant in the department reported that Valetta punched him in the head and threw him over a recliner during a fight at a fire station. According to court documents, the lieutenant made an audio recording of the fight and gave it to police.
Valletta has been placed on administrative leave. Mayor Allan Fung has said there will be an internal investigation.
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