The Wyoming city council terminated the city’s fire chief earlier this month because he was “not achieving the city’s standards.” Earlier this month, the city ended its relationship with Chief Brian Bennett without reason.
Wyoming City Manager John McCarter wrote, “As we have discussed today, after much thought and consideration, and in consultation with police Chief Kim Koster, I have decided that it is time to separate your employment with the city.” in a memo dated March 7 that was obtained by News 8 on Wednesday(March 29, 2023) afternoon.
Separation of Wyoming’s Fire Chief
McCarter acknowledged Bennett’s hard work but remarked, “Your performance is not meeting the city’s expectations. “We understand that you may not agree with the decision, but in accordance with your employment agreement, you serve at the pleasure of the city manager,” the memo went on.
In October 2022, he received a verbal warning for failing to notify authorities promptly about an injured fireman who had been brought to the hospital from the incident scene.
According to reports, the document states, “DD Snyder advised me that he had just learned of the information when talking to human resources on another matter. HR advised him that the employee was first seen at med one before being directed by medical staff to go to the hospital for treatment.”
According to the paperwork, a supervisor had to confirm an injured firefighter to Bennett through text message. Bennett acknowledged he was with the wounded trainee during training at the hospital.
“We talked numerous times in the past about the importance of communication, especially when it involves issues with our personnel,” read the document.
When significant occurrences occur, the Wyoming fire department mandates that the deputy director or a supervisor be notified. “However, you have continued to not communicate which not only leaves the employee and our agency at risk but also hinders my ability to provide proper insight,” it continued.
Another “lack of communication” incident is described, involving a fire department ceremony that had not been cleared with or discussed with the relevant public safety personnel and municipal officials.
It reads, “Although this was something that I would approve, it was not something we had previously discussed. There was no communication on the details or planning for the event, which would involve public safety employees, the community, council members, the city manager, and other city staff.”
Bennett was instructed to notify the deputy director and supervisor of any changes to the fire services division’s operations, to react promptly to written letters, and to provide appropriate notice by established procedures.
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Bennett’s performance reports, which dated back to 2016 and continued through 2018, when he was elevated to the fire chief, were all graded as excellent or high quality.
Bennett’s severance from the company was formalized in a contract dated March 7. “As we discussed today, after much thought and consideration, and in consultation with Chief Koster, I have decided that it is time to separate your employment with the city. We appreciate your contributions over the years, but your performance is not meeting the city’s expectations,” the McCarter wrote.
Bennett’s severance package amounted to over $53,000 and lasted six months. His tenure as a leader began in 2018. 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Legally, that is. No part of this may be copied, reproduced, resold, or transmitted.