MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) – All 32 members of the Marshfield Professional Police Association have signed a letter of no confidence against embattled Chief Rick Gramza, who’s accused of sexual misconduct while on the job.
Police officer Kevin Hamill reported the no confidence vote to the Marshfield city council on Tuesday night. He read from a statement that said: “we publicly condemn the actions of Chief Gramza, and publicly state that our support is with our fellow officer, who is a victim in every sense of the term.”
Gramza is accused of having a sexual relationship with a Marshfield PD employee. The case was investigated by the Eau Claire police department, and an outside DA filed charges last week: .three felony counts of misconduct in office for acting with excessive authority, one misdemeanor count of fourth-degree sexual assault and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. Gramza claims the relationship was consensual.
Mayor Bob McManus told members of the police force their voices have been heard: “I am so incredibly proud of our department. We have an issue that we have to take care of. But for all of the men and women who put on that badge and go out there every single day, thank you.”
Mike Meyers — a former mayor and current member of the city’s Fire and Police Commission — told aldermen he and other Commission members are frustrated over the lack of involvement they’ve been allowed to have in the whole process to this point. “We’re sitting here just like you,” Meyers said. “I can honestly say I don’t know anything more than anyone else in this room.
Gramza’s alleged victim brought allegations against the Chief dating back to 2015. Gramza is due in Wood County Circuit Court on December 21.
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