In a recent government meeting, a former deputy chief of police, Mr. Fisher, raised serious allegations against the city's police chief, claiming a pattern of harassment and misconduct. Fisher detailed his grievances in a letter sent on May 10, outlining 11 complaints, of which only three have been investigated. He described a troubling encounter with the police chief, who allegedly dismissed him from his position, questioning his mental fitness for the job and making derogatory remarks about his family.
Fisher accused the chief of police of spreading false rumors about him and described a hostile work environment, including being called \"Satan\" and \"evil.\" He expressed frustration over the lack of response to his complaints, stating that he had suffered in silence for four months.
City officials responded to Fisher's claims, with the city attorney clarifying that Fisher had exhausted his Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits and had been offered additional medical leave, which is evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The attorney emphasized that the city is required to assess the impact of extended leave on operations, particularly for high management positions like Fisher's.
The meeting highlighted ongoing tensions within the police department and raised questions about workplace conduct and the handling of complaints against leadership. The city is expected to continue addressing these issues as they unfold.