WILLOWICK, Ohio — The city of Willowick has placed Fire Chief Joseph Tennyson on administrative leave after unspecified "allegations" were made against the longtime department veteran.
In a statement to 3News, Mayor Richard J. Regovich (who also serves as safety director) said City Hall was "aware of allegations made regarding the fire chief" and that Tennyson was placed on leave "in the interests of safety and fairness" while officials conduct an investigation. However, Regovich declined to comment further regarding just what the chief was accused of doing.
Tennyson's LinkedIn shows he has been with the Willowick Fire Department since 2003, working as a lieutenant firefighter and paramedic before being promoted to chief in November of 2020. He previously worked as a firefighter in both Eastlake and Kirtland.
As chief, Tennyson oversees a staff of roughly 70 in the community of just over 14,000 people. The city did not say would be assuming his duties during his absence.
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