Marshfield Professional Police Association Take "No Confidence" Vote for Marshfield Police Chief

Wednesday, November 11th, 2020 -- 9:06 AM

(WDLB) -A Marshfield police officer received a standing ovation last night, when he let the Common Council know that all 32 members of the Marshfield Professional Police Association had taken a "no confidence" vote in their current Chief.

Veteran officer Kevin Hamill read from a press release and open letter to city officials and members of the Common Council, when he informed them of the Association's "no confidence" vote in Chief Rick Gramza, who was charged last week in connection with sexual assault and misconduct allegations by a fellow officer.  The 47-year-old Gramza last week was charged in Wood County Circuit Court with five counts, three felony counts of misconduct in office for acting with excessive authority, one misdemeanor count of fourth-degree sexual assault and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.  Retired police officer Steve Leu made a brief comment to the Council on behalf of former Marshfield Police Chief Joe Stroik.

Mayor Bob McManus told members of the police force their voices have been heard.  Mike Meyers, a former alderman, Mayor and current member of the city's Fire-and-Police Commission, told aldermen he and other Commission members are frustrated over the lack of involvement they've been allowed to have in the whole process to this point.  Gramza's alleged victim brought allegations against the Chief dating back to 2015. He acknowledges a sexual relationship, but insists the contact was consensual. Gramza is due in Wood County Circuit Court December 21.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.