Bloomfield Suspends Deputy Fire Chief, Brother Of Mayor: Reports

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — Bloomfield municipal officials have suspended Deputy Chief Louis Venezia, the brother of Mayor Michael Venezia, reports say.

The allegations facing Louis Venezia have not been disclosed, but a spokesperson for the township said that the suspension was made to “avoid any appearance of favoritism or nepotism,” NorthJersey.com reported.

Venezia has served the Bloomfield Fire Department for almost 19 years and earns a base salary of $142,990, the report stated.

Township of Bloomfield spokesperson Philip Swibinski issued the following statement to TAP Into Bloomfield:

“Due to allegations made by the local firefighters union president, the Township of Bloomfield has placed Deputy Fire Chief Lou Venezia on paid administrative leave pending an investigation into the matter by an independent, outside law firm, which is standard practice in these circumstances. The township will base any further action on the findings of the investigation.”

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