Fire chief charged by union with racist behavior
On allegations of repeated racist language and racist attitudes, the South Milwaukee firefighters union has filed charges seeking the demotion or removal of Fire Chief Jay Behling, according to a statement of charges filed with the city's Police and Fire Commission.
City officials levied a three-day suspension this week - a penalty costing the chief about $1,000 in pay, City Administrator Tami Mayzik said. She said the city still feels this was the appropriate punishment.
According to the statement of charges released by the Firefighters Protective Association:
Behling "intentionally and repeatedly used racist language and expressed a racist attitude ... in front of his subordinates, thereby compromising his ability to effectively command and supervise the city of South Milwaukee Fire Department."
In one specific instance during a Feb. 16 annual performance review for firefighter Ryan Kurz, Behling discussed his views about the food pantry at his church, allegedly using a racial slur referring to African Americans who use the pantry.
This was one of several instances where Behling allegedly used the same slur.
An employee of the Fire Department confirmed that Behling was in today but said he would not be taking any calls.
Mayzik said the statement's allegations are largely accurate.
The statement further alleges misconduct on the city's part.
According to the statement:
The city was slow in giving up Behling's disciplinary records, and Mayor Tom Zepecki failed to interview the involved Fire Department employees.
Mayzik disputed these allegations and said the city correctly followed state statutory guidelines.
The disciplinary investigation was handled by Capt. Joe Knitter, who interviewed the employees involved, Mayzik said, and therefore, Zepecki did not need to interview them.
Mayzik said the charges will be heard by the city's Police and Fire Commission. A hearing will be scheduled after the commission consults with City Attorney Joe Murphy.
Unless and until the commission decides otherwise, Behling will retain his position, Mayzik said.
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