Fire chief reports badge, ID card lost or stolen

Richard Felner has been chief of the Fairfield Fire Department for 13 years, but at the moment he doesn't have the badge to show for it.

Felner, 74, told Fairfield police Monday that his chief's badge, identification card and badge holder are missing. He said he believes the items were either lost or stolen during the last week, possibly during a trip to Boston.

There were no other details available about the missing badge.

Felner joined the department 53 years ago, and in May the Fire Commission extended his contract as chief to July 2014 despite controversy.

In March, an independent investigation into allegations that Felner had slapped Assistant Chief George Gomola in the face three times at headquarters found the incident "more likely than not" had occurred.