NORTH ATTLEBORO - Fire Commissioner Joe Casale resigned his seat on Friday, one day after selectmen met with the board in private session to discuss "a complaint against a public official."

Casale, who was appointed to the commission only last year, confirmed on Friday that he submitted a letter of resignation, effective immediately.

"I did resign this morning, but I can't say why because it would seem like I was retaliating against them for what happened last night," Casale said.

"I resigned of my own free will and I'm not guilty of any wrong doing," he said. "I just decided I really wanted to get out of there."

Fire commissioners met in executive session for about a half-hour Thursday with selectmen, Town Counsel Roger Ferris and Human Resources Director Catherine Calicchia. No one would comment on the reasons for the executive session, and Selectmen Chairman John Rhyno said he could not comment on the matter.

Selectmen appoint fire commissioners and will be advertising to fill the remainder of Casale's term, which expires in 2009.