By Rachana Rathi, Boston Globe Staff

Police are investigating Newton Fire Chief Joseph LaCroix after his firefighters allegedly discovered marijuana in his official city vehicle on Thursday.

LaCroix, 62, has not been charged with a crime, but the case is being investigated by police in his hometown of Marlborough. LaCroix joined the Newton Fire Department in 1972, and has been chief since 2003.

"The city does not suspect Chief LaCroix of using drugs...based on our informed observation of his conduct that day and his overall job performance," said Jeremy Solomon, a Newton city spokesman.

Newton firefighters discovered a "small amount" of marijuana in LaCroix's Ford Crown Victoria while cleaning the car at Fire Station 3 in Newton, Solomon said.

After the drugs were brought to his attention, LaCroix met with officials from the human resources, legal, and executive departments in City Hall. Officials advised him to turn the drugs in to the Marlborough Police Department based on the details he gave of the incident, Solomon said.

Solomon would not specify why LaCroix was advised to turn the drugs in to his hometown police station rather than in Newton, where they were discovered. Marlborough Police Captain Paul Valianti said he would not release any details while the matter is under investigation.

In a separate incident, Newton firefighter Keith Eppich, 30, of Norwood, was charged with possession of heroin on Thursday after Boston police allegedly saw him buy drugs from a known drug dealer. He was expected to be arraigned today in Dorchester District Court.

Eppich joined the Newton Fire Department in 2004 and was placed on administrative leave today, Solomon said. The city expects to hold a disciplinary hearing on conduct unbecoming a Newton firefighter in early September.

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