Documents: Wyoming Fire Chief let go over lack of communication

WYOMING, Mich. — A handful of paperwork reveal a breakdown in communication on the highest ranges of the Wyoming Division of Public Security led to the termination of Fireplace Chief Brian Bennett.

After confirming Chief Bennett’s firing earlier this month, FOX 17 filed a Freedom of Data Act request with town for any paperwork and communications relating to his employment. On Wednesday town of Wyoming supplied three paperwork and informed FOX 17 there have been no different written communications about Bennett’s standing as fireplace chief.

First is the separation settlement signed by Bennett and Interim Metropolis Supervisor John McCarter. The settlement requires Wyoming to proceed to pay Bennett for the following 6 months, a complete of $53.654.00. Bennett may even proceed to obtain well being advantages by way of the top of September 2023.

Bennett Signed Settlement by WXMI

If Bennett will get a brand new job throughout these six months, town will solely pay to make up the distinction between his outdated wage and new wage.

The ex-fire chief agreed to not sue town of Wyoming, generally, and to not publicly discuss badly in regards to the metropolis or its staff.

Second is the termination memo to Bennett from town.

Bennett Termination Memo by The rationale behind the termination shouldn’t be revealed within the settlement, however the different doc included from town supplies a touch.

In a verbal warning dated October 20, 2022, Director of Public Security Kim Koster informed Bennett his lack of communication to her and different administrative workers “leaves… our company in danger.”

Bennett Verbal Warning by

The push-in ceremony itself was non-controversial. Koster wrote she would have permitted, however famous there was no communication or coordination with many of the division or different metropolis workers.

Koster listed only one corrective motion for Bennett: talk higher. “Correct notification of main incidents and personnel points should be made, together with improved communication on the planning and general methods of the Fireplace Service.”

Bennett labored in Wyoming from 2015 to 2023, together with greater than 5 years as chief. He beforehand served as chief with Caledonia Township and as president of the Kent County Fireplace Chiefs Affiliation.

Deputy Director of Public Security, Kip Snyder, is now overseeing the firefighting aspect of public security.

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