Hubbard police chief to step down

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Hubbard Police Chief Martin Kanetsky

By LINDA M. LINONIS

linonis@vindy.com

HUBBARD

Police Chief Martin Kanetsky will retire June 15, according to a settlement between him and the city.

The agreement, dated Feb. 5, was signed by Mayor Richard Keenan, Kanetsky and city law director Jeff Adler.

Keenan placed Kanetsky on paid administrative leave Jan. 6; Kanetsky went on paid medical leave Feb. 3.

The agreement states, “Chief Martin Kanetsky has indicated that he requires a medical leave of absence to deal with personal medical issues and will be tendering his resignation so that he may retire effective June 15.” The agreement also states that Kanetsky “shall receive payment for any unused accumulated leave as provided under the ordinances of the city of Hubbard.”

The agreement also notes that Kanetsky will be permitted to use his sick leave to deal with the medical issues until the effective date of his retirement.

Though the mayor has been asked repeatedly about Kanetsky’s status, his response has been “no comment.” When asked about this agreement, the mayor said the document “did not come out of my office” and he had “nothing to say at this time.” The document came from the law director’s office and is a public record.

The mayor’s letter of Jan. 6 to Kanetsky, placing him on paid administrative leave, stated it was “pending investigation of various charges including but not limited to insubordination, misuse of city facilities and/or property of the city of Hubbard and jeopardizing the health of the entire police department and facilities.” The letter also instructed the chief not to enter the police building or use police vehicles.

The mayor has alluded that there may be other charges when he pointed out the investigation is not limited to the charges listed in the letter to the police chief.

In a previous story in The Vindicator, the mayor said he has “respect for the chief, his family and the community” and will conduct a “fair and impartial investigation.” The mayor would not specify whether he or someone else is investigating.

Sgt. Lou Carsone, who was chief from 1982 to 1984, is acting police chief. Carsone had been planning to retire.

According to Vindicator files, Kanetsky was named chief in February 2003. He became a part-time officer in April 1985 and then full-time in January 1986.