Behind the trees and a tall fence lies a solar field on Pond Street in Rehoboth. It has been a point of tension between the town Board of Selectmen and Fire Chief Mark Haskell, leading to his termination this past Tuesday.

“While this decision was made by the town, I want to be clear that I am disappointed by the decision of the Board of Selectmen,” Haskell wrote on the fire department’s Facebook page two days after he was terminated. “I harbor no ill will toward anyone. My service to this community has always been, and will always remain, a point of pride.”

Board Chairman Frederick Vadnais said Haskell has been outspoken against the solar field, which is across the street from the former chief’s house.

Vadnais said Haskell had a responsibility as the town’s fire chief to step away from a conflict of interest. But since Haskell took the top job less than a year ago, Vadnais said, he did not listen to three warnings.

See more at wpri.com.