Melvindale fires police chief for creating 'toxic work environment'

MELVINDALE, Mich. (WJBK) - The city of Melvindale has fired its police chief for "willful misconduct."

Chad Hayse was terminated effective, immediately Tuesday evening at the second of two hearings at city hall to discuss his future. Hayse had been suspended without notice.

It was dubbed a quazi-trial. The former police chief was the defendant with the city council as the jury and a lawyer from Farmington Hills, with no connection to city as the judge. 

They heard testimony from current officers to support claims that Hayse used many vulgar terms in reference to mayor including the "b" word and "c" word. 

"I've actually spoke with him and said that is not a good idea," said Officer Patrick Easton. "Especially to say in front of newer officers that look up to him." 

Hayse denies the allegations, but the mayor and council say it goes beyond name calling. 

There was testimony that he disciplined an officer without filing paperwork, took issue with the city's towing company which allegedly led to him asking officers not to give the tow company business, and used social media to spread propaganda about a 911 dispatch merger. 

All of which the council decided, created a toxic work environment.