KALAMAZOO TOWNSHIP, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — According to findings of an independent investigation, a botched investigation into harassment allegations led to the termination of the top leaders at the Kalamazoo Township Fire Department.
Fire Chief David Obreiter and Battalion Chief Matt Mulac were fired abruptly on Wednesday, September 14, by Kalamazoo Township Manager Dexter Mitchell.
A Kalamazoo Township trustee revealed the findings of the independent investigation to WWMT which stated that both Obreiter and Mulac mishandled harassment allegations brought to their attention by conducting their own “probe” which concluded in less than 24 hours.
According to the report, “The Chiefs were terminated for negligently conducting the investigation and failing to take appropriate action to enforce various Township policies to protect the complainant from continuing harassment, discrimination and battery.”
The details of the 2020 harassment allegations and initial probe were brought to the township’s attention when the accuser resigned from the department back in February.
Deputy Chief Mike Weidemann was named as acting chief of Kalamazoo Township Fire Department.
Obreiter was named fire chief almost 13 years ago, while Mulac began serving as battalion chief in December 2010.
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