Cranston’s deputy fire chief, who is also the department’s union president, faced a Kent County judge Tuesday on charges that he punched and assaulted a fellow firefighter while on duty.
Paul Valletta, 59, of Warwick, was arrested by Rhode Island State Police on Sept. 10 following a heated incident at the Scituate Avenue firehouse the day before.
Valletta pleaded not guilty and was ordered to stay away from Lt. Scott Bergantino, who made the accusations.
Outside of court, Valletta was asked if he wanted to say anything to the taxpayers of Cranston. “I'm looking forward to the truth coming out, and then I'll be back to work doing what I love doing,” he said, but didn’t elaborate when asked about what truth he was referring to.