BROOKFIELD WITHOUT TREE WARDEN AFTER RESIGNATION CITING SAFETY FAILURES AND “HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT”
By Christopher Kelleher
BROOKFIELD, MA — The Town of Brookfield currently does not have a Tree Warden, a position required under Massachusetts law to oversee the care and removal of public shade trees.
Under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 87, municipalities are required to appoint a Tree Warden responsible for managing public trees and ensuring proper procedures are followed. As of publication, the Town has not publicly identified a replacement.
The vacancy follows the resignation of Tree Warden Denis Tucker, who stepped down in February 2025 citing serious concerns about safety and working conditions.
RESIGNATION DIRECTLY NAMES SELECT BOARD MEMBER
In his resignation letter, Tucker explicitly attributes his decision to the actions of Select Board member Richard Chaffee:
“This decision comes as a result of the ongoing disregard for legal and safety protocols surrounding tree work, specifically due to the actions of Selectman Chaffee.”
Tucker further warned that critical safeguards were being ignored:
“These essential principles are being ignored, putting both employees and the public at unnecessary risk.”
SAFETY CONCERNS AND TRAINING ISSUES
The resignation letter outlines multiple safety concerns, including the use of untrained personnel for hazardous work.
Tucker wrote that he had requested proper training for workers handling dangerous equipment, but:
“Selectman Chaffee instructed the Highway Department that this individual did not need training… this employee worked for weeks without the legally mandated instruction.”
He described the situation in stark terms:
“Ignoring these risks is reckless and unacceptable.”
DEPARTURE FROM PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS
Tucker also criticized what he described as a shift away from established arboricultural practices:
“Selectman Chaffee has repeatedly advocated for tree removals based on convenience and perceived efficiency rather than adhering to industry best management practices.”
He emphasized that proper tree risk assessment requires qualified professionals and structured evaluation methods—not expediency.
TOXIC WORK ENVIRONMENT” AND RESIGNATION
According to his resignation letter , Tucker described broader workplace issues beyond safety concerns.
“Selectman Chaffee’s leadership style has created a toxic work environment. His micromanagement, bullying, and misogynistic behavior… have fostered dysfunction and resentment.”
He further stated:
“His behavior has already led to multiple resignations, and I refuse to be complicit in an organization that enables such conduct.”
Tucker ultimately concluded:
“I can no longer, in good conscience, support tree removals under Selectman Chaffee’s misguided directives.”
A QUALIFIED OFFICIAL LOST
Tucker noted that he brought more than 20 years of experience, along with professional credentials and arboricultural training, to the role.
During public meetings, he demonstrated detailed knowledge of both the technical and legal requirements governing tree work, often answering questions in real time and citing applicable standards directly.
His departure represents the loss of an experienced and knowledgeable official in a role that requires both expertise and adherence to state law.
REQUIRED ROLE NOW VACANT
The Tree Warden position is not optional.
Under Chapter 87, the role is responsible for:
- Overseeing public shade trees
- Approving removals
- Ensuring compliance with legal and safety requirements
With the position now vacant, it remains unclear who is currently performing those duties.
THE BIGGER ISSUE
The resignation, and the language used in the letter, raises broader concerns about governance, safety, and oversight in Brookfield.
When a required municipal official steps down citing disregard for legal protocols, unsafe working conditions, and a hostile work environment, the impact extends beyond a single department.
It raises questions about how decisions are being made—and who is responsible for ensuring they are carried out safely and in accordance with the law.
Editor’s Note
This is the first in a multi-part series examining the circumstances surrounding the Tree Warden’s resignation, the town’s handling of public tree removal, and the impact on Brookfield’s bidding process.