Marijuana found in fire chief's vehicle

NEWTON, Mass. -- During the routine cleaning of Chief Joseph LaCroix's City issued vehicle, firefighters discovered an envelope that contained a small amount of marijuana under the front seat.

According to City spokesperson Jeremy Solomon, after firefighters uncovered a small amount of marijuana, they presented it to the Chief. The Chief immediately contacted City Hall, who advised the Chief to turn in the marijuana to his hometown Police Department in Marlbroro.

"The city in no way suspects Chief Lacroix of using illicit drugs," Solomon said.

LaCroix, who has been with the Department for more than 35 years, serving as Chief for the last five, issued the following statement,

"This discovery came as a shock to me. I want to make it very clear that throughout my more than 36-year career as a firefighter, I have never imperiled the safety of Newton firefighters or the general public by using or possessing illegal drugs.

No charges have been filed. The case is still under investigation.

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