Rutland City police leaders say alderman spread misinformation, breached confidentiality

Rutland City police leaders publicly criticized Alderman Heck at the Board of Aldermen meeting Feb. 3, saying his recent Facebook Live remarks misrepresented contract negotiation details and disclosed material discussed in executive sessions.

The remarks, delivered during the meeting’s public-comment period, came from Detective Corporal Adam Lucia, speaking as president of the Police Benevolent Association, and the city’s police chief. Lucia said he was "deeply concerned and disappointed" that a board member had "not only misrepresented facts about the Rutland City Police Department, but has also breached confidential negotiation topics in an unsecured forum." He added that such behavior "undermines the integrity of our local governance and the trust between our community and law enforcement."

The police chief told the board he learned of Alderman Heck’s comments the day before and said portions of the alderman’s Facebook interview were "not just inaccurate, but inappropriate and irresponsible." The chief disputed a claim the alderman attributed to the police department about contract demands, saying, "Any assertion that this was a demand during negotiations is untrue." The chief also said Alderman Heck referred to one officer as "sergeant Whitehead" and suggested the officer was from out of state; the chief said Commander Whitehead is a Rutland native and a "dedicated, well respected leader in the department."

The chief declined to discuss matters covered in executive session, saying, "At the risk of violating the spirit of executive sessions, I will not address what has been discussed in such sessions," but added that Alderman Heck had attended executive sessions and therefore should know the issue the alderman described was never proposed. The chief warned that spreading what he called falsehoods could erode public trust and "may adversely impact police encounters we have with the public."

No formal board action was taken on the public complaints during the meeting; the Board of Aldermen proceeded to other agenda items including adoption of a capital improvement program and a series of permit requests and contracts.

Speakers at the meeting reiterated support for department staff. The chief closed by thanking officers and support staff and urging residents with concerns to "reach out and ask questions" so that the public record reflects accurate information.

Ending: The record shows the complaints were aired during public comment; the board did not vote on any discipline or formal response at that time. Further follow-up — including whether any alderman offered a public reply or the board will take additional steps — was not recorded in the meeting minutes for Feb. 3.