WYOMING, Mich. — A handful of documents reveal a breakdown in communication at the highest levels of the Wyoming Department of Public Safety led to the termination of Fire Chief Brian Bennett.
After confirming Chief Bennett's firing earlier this month, FOX 17 filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the city for any documents and communications regarding his employment. On Wednesday the city of Wyoming provided three documents and told FOX 17 there were no other written communications about Bennett's status as fire chief.
First is the separation agreement signed by Bennett and Interim City Manager John McCarter. The agreement calls for Wyoming to continue to pay Bennett for the next 6 months, a total of $53,654.00. Bennett will also continue to receive health benefits through the end of September 2023.
Bennett Signed Agreement by WXMI
If Bennett gets a new job during those six months, the city will only pay to make up the difference between his old salary and new salary.
The ex-fire chief agreed to not sue the city of Wyoming, in most cases, and to not publicly talk badly about the city or its employees.
Second is the termination memo to Bennett from the city.
Bennett Termination Memo by WXMI on Scribd
The reason behind the termination is not revealed in the agreement; however, a verbal warning dated October 20, 2022, shows Director of Public Safety Kim Koster telling Bennett his lack of communication to her and other administrative staff "leaves...our agency at risk."
Bennett Verbal Warning by WXMI on Scribd
Koster highlighted two examples in the warning: an October 18 injury to a firefighter during department training and a push-in ceremony for a new fire truck.
Director Koster noted that she and Deputy Director Kip Snyder only learned of the injury in October when a member of the HR department mentioned the firefighter was in the hospital. According to the warning, Koster texted Bennett about the situation, prompting a back-and-forth response over the next few hours.
Koster wrote, "We have talked numerous times in the past about the importance of communication, especially when it involves issues with our personnel. I have asked that you make notification to [Deputy Director] Snyder or myself when critical incidents like this occur. However, you have continued to not communicate."
The push-in ceremony itself was non-controversial. Koster wrote she would have approved, but noted there was no communication or coordination with most of the department or other city staff.
Koster listed just one corrective action for Bennett: communicate better. "Proper notification of major incidents and personnel issues must be made, along with improved communication on the planning and overall strategies of the Fire Service."
Bennett worked in Wyoming from 2015 to 2023, including more than five years as chief. He previously served as chief with Caledonia Township and as president of the Kent County Fire Chiefs Association.
Deputy Director of Public Safety, Kip Snyder, is now overseeing the firefighting side of public safety.
