City of Marshfield. MWC file photo.
MARSHFIELD, WI (WSAU-WDLB) — The City of Marshfield will be looking for a new Chief Of Police after the resignation of Rick Gramza this morning.
In a prepared statement, Marshfield City Administrator Steve Barg said that he will request that the Fire and Police Commission withdraw charges against Gramza, which would otherwise have resulted in a multi-day evidentiary hearing before the Commission.
Gramza was accused of sexual assault of another police officer over a period of years from 2012-2014 although a judge in February ruled that there was not enough evidence to file felony corruption charges in the case.
Thursday’s vote was 8-2 with Alders Ken Bargender and Quentin Rosandich voting against. Bargender said that it’s not in the city’s best interest to “consider any type of settlement agreement before going through the hearing process.”
He adds that he didn’t support any type of settlement agreement that would cost the taxpayers additional dollars.
City Administrator Steve Barg released the following statement after the agreement was announced:
“Our Police Department, city staff, and our community deserve to move on and move forward. Chief Gramza’s conduct was disturbing and disdainful to me, and it took a heavy toll on our employees. As I said previously, I was deeply saddened that it came to this where I had to file charges seeking Chief Gramza’s removal. Chief Gramza’s resignation allows the city to move forward and for the Police Department to focus on its continued efforts to provide effective law enforcement services for our community.
“We appreciate those employees who came forward and those who cooperated with our efforts to understand what was occurring under Chief Gramza’s leadership. None of those employees should be subjected to any retaliation. They did the right thing by expressing their concerns and cooperating, and we are committed to protecting our staff from retaliation.”
Upon terms of the termination agreement, the City is providing Gramza with a separation benefit, which the City believes will avoid greater litigation costs.
The price tag of the separation agreement has not been disclosed though it does involve paying out Gramza’s remaining vacation and personal days along with paying his regular hourly wage and health insurance benefits through August.
Comments