Former Groton deputy chief fired from new job for allegedly drinking in uniform

Middletown — Middletown's deputy police chief has been fired over allegations he drank alcohol while wearing his badge and gun on several occasions in the city.

Mayor Dan Drew announced the immediate firing of Deputy Police Chief Patrick McMahon on Thursday after a special hearing on allegations stemming from an internal affairs investigation. Officials also accused McMahon of lying to the mayor and the city's personnel when confronted with the claims.

McMahon angrily denied the allegations and claimed his firing was politically motivated. McMahon's lawyer said his client never drank alcohol while in uniform and an appeal of the firing is planned.

Witnesses told police investigators they saw McMahon drinking alcohol while wearing his gun and badge at local restaurants in 2009 and 2011.

McMahon is the former deputy chief of police in the City of Groton. He worked there from 2003 to 2007. He began his law enforcement career in Norwich, where he worked from 1984 to 2003.