BOSTON --

A battle over budget cuts spilled out of council chambers and into a barroom on Friday morning when a firefighter allegedly punched a Bridgewater selectman in the face, according to the Brockton Enterprise.

Police and fire officials would not discuss the incident, but a police report indicates that the firefighter, David McGillis, 44, punched Selectman Christopher Flynn in the face and threatened to kill him if firefighters are laid off as part of budget reductions this year, the Enterprise reported.

According to the report, McGillis and another firefighter approached Flynn at Barrett's Ale House in Bridgewater and told him that "if firemen lose their jobs he will go after and kill" Flynn and Selectman Mike Demos.

Flynn and Demos have both advocated laying off municipal workers to balance a projected gap in the town's finances.

According to the report, McGillis told police that, "He walked over and asked Flynn why he was screwing with (McGillis') brother firefighters and police." McGillis said that Flynn then used an expletive and placed a hand on his shoulder in a threatening way, which prompted him to punch Flynn in the face. McGillis denied making any death threat to the selectman, the report indicates.

Flynn, 26, said he has a small welt on his right cheek from the punch. Flynn told the Enterprise that he did not swear at the firefighter or place a hand on him before the incident.

"I don't mind taking one on the chin for 27,000 people," Flynn said. "Because, at the end of the day, I'm doing what I know to be the right thing for Bridgewater regardless of how unpopular it may be."

Preliminary budget figures released earlier in the week include reductions to the fire department that could result in layoffs for eight Bridgewater firefighters, according to the Enterprise.

"I am not mad but I'm disappointed -- I don't want the actions of one person to cloud the reputation of a really great department," Flynn said. "I am also disappointed that he knowingly provided false information."

The police report indicates that McGillis will be charged with assault and battery and threatening to commit a crime, according to the Enterprise. Selectmen Chairman Stanley Kravitz said he will review the incident on Monday.

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