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SPANISH FORK — The mayor and City Council have fired long-time police chief Dee Rosenbaum, even though they believe he was innocent of allegations that cost him his peace officer certification.
The city's elected officials met behind closed doors Tuesday to discuss options, five days after Rosenbaum was decertified by the Utah Peace Officer Standards and Training Council, accusing Rosenbaum of shoplifting and then lying about it to investigators.
"The Mayor and Council unanimously feel chief Rosenbaum is innocent of the allegations brought and fully support him," says a statement the city released Wednesday afternoon.
"Nonetheless, the mayor and council feel that it is in the best interest of the city to release Chief Rosenbaum from his duties," the statement continues. "Chief Rosenbaum, though innocent and qualified, was unanimously released" and is no longer employed by the city.
"The city wishes chief Rosenbaum and his family the best and thanks him for over 34 years of service to this community," the statement concludes. Rosenbaum was chief for 25 years.
Assistant City Manager Seth Perrins said the police department's file leadership has been notified of the decision. The city plans to begin accepting applications for the position of Public Safety Director and Police Chief on Friday.
The city did not criticize the process that led to Rosenbaum's decertification but did disagree with its findings. City Attorney S. Junior Baker, in a letter written the day before the hearing where Rosenbaum lost his certification, called the investigation procedurally defective and challenges the POST council's conclusion.
