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    • Gibraltar police chief files wrongful termination lawsuit
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    Gibraltar police chief files wrongful termination lawsuit

    Harry Posted on

    Gibraltar police Chief Richard Tanguay filed a lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court last week challenging his dismissal, which is scheduled for Oct. 31.

    The wrongful termination lawsuit was filed on Oct. 23 by attorney Michael Pitt on behalf of Tanguay, according to a press release issued by a representative.

    In the statement, it was stated that Tanguay was dismissed after “blowing the whistle” on “corruption and fraudulent salary practices” in the fire department in the city of Gibraltar. He had asked the Michigan Attorney General’s Office to investigate allegations of fraud by the fire chief and also tried to stop a construction project started by a city councilman.

    On October 14, four members of the Gibraltar City Council voted to remove Tanguay from his position as the city’s police chief and director of public safety. Tanguay was hired in July 2022.

    The lawsuit alleges that four of the council members failed to inform the chief, the mayor, two other council members or the public that they wanted the chief removed, “favoring a sudden but coordinated motion at the Oct. 14 meeting.”

    “Following the vote that led to Chief Tanguay’s ouster, the Mayor accused the four council members of ‘conspiracy’ and described their behavior as ‘absolutely appalling,'” the statement said. The statement was included.

    City officials could not immediately be reached for comment Monday.

    One council member referred to colleagues as “bullies, backstabbers, and those with no honor or integrity,” according to a statement about the lawsuit.

    “For the staff and citizens of Gibraltar, it has been an absolute honor and pleasure to work and serve with all of you in this amazing community,” Tanguay said in a statement. “We dishonorably filed this lawsuit to protect all past, present and future employees of the City of Gibraltar based on the actions of the four elected officials who govern them, and to preserve and restore the trust and transparency of our greater community.”

    Attorney Pitt said in a statement that Tanguay “stood for what was right” and looked out for the city’s best interests.

    “He was hired to clean up the Police and Fire Departments, creating departments that are more efficient and responsive to the needs of residents,” Pitt said. “He did exactly what was asked of him by opening investigations into corruption and fraud. But now he is being punished for doing his job.”

    Harry
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