Report: La Vergne Fire Chief Suspended, Assistant Chief Fired After Anonymous Letter

LA VERGNE, TN — La Vergne's fire chief was suspended and the assistant chief was fired following a months-long investigation prompted by an anonymous letter, according to a report from WKRN.

Chief Rick McCormick was suspended for a week last month and assistant chief Mike Culberson was fired. WKRN filed a Freedom of Information Act request for materials related to the investigation that led to the shake-up and discovered it began with a September 19 letter sent to the city by "A Concerned Citizen."

"His perpetually lewd misconduct has not only served to undermine the quality and reputation of the fire department but his erratic and regularly hostile and violent behavior towards his own employees has caused most to begin questioning their mental, physical, and emotional safety and well-being on a daily basis,” the letter said of McCormick.

At least 10 employees were interviewed during the investigation and Channel 2 says there appeared to be a split between those who backed McCormick and those who were critical of him and supported Culberson.

McCormick did not answer phone calls and Culberson did not comment on advice of his attorney. A city spokesperson said La Vergne does not comment on personnel matters.

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