FREMONT - Long-time Fremont Police Chief Neal Janvrin was fired Monday, but officials aren't saying why.

Town attorney John Ryan said Janvrin was served with a notice of dismissal after a decision of the board of selectmen.

Ryan would not comment on the reasons for the firing.

"It was done according to the procedures that are allowed by statute," he said.

Ryan said selectmen have appointed deputy police chief Reese Bassett as interim chief.

Janvrin said Wednesday morning that he was "removed," but declined further comment.

Selectmen requested that a State Police trooper be present when the action was taken against Janvrin, according to State Police Lt. Gary Wood.

"They just requested us to stand by in case there were any issues," he said.

Wood said the trooper did not have to physically remove Janvrin and that there was no problem.

Wood also said State Police had no other involvement.

"It was nothing to do with State Police," he said.

Selectmen and town administrator Heidi Carlson referred all questions to Ryan.

Bassett also said he couldn't discuss the situation.

Janvrin, who is in his mid-60s, has been the town's police chief for 23 years. He began his career with the Exeter Police Department and spent 10 years as a full-time deputy with the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department. He also served for many years as a part-time deputy while also serving at Fremont police chief.