Manchester fire chief learns of investigation on day of disappearance
FirefighterNation Staff
MANCHESTER, New Hampshire — The New Hampshire Union Leader reports that a Manchester assistant fire chief reported missing and found dead last week was under investigation by Londonderry police for sexual assault at the time of his disappearance.
Manchester Fire Chief Dan Goonan issued a statement Sunday saying he learned Assistant Fire Chief Brendan Burns was the subject of a police investigation the same day Burns was reported missing by his family.
“On Wednesday, September 30th, 2020, the Londonderry Police Department visited me at Central Station, after Assistant Chief Burns was reported missing. At that time, they informed me that Assistant Chief Burns was under investigation for sexual assault. It would be improper for me to discuss any details regarding this matter.”
Burns was reported missing by his family on Wednesday. His body was located later that afternoon in Pelham by authorities following a brief investigation.
Fire officials announced the city brought in members of the Granite State Critical Incident Stress Management Team to provide grief counseling services for department members.
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