Newton Falls council fires village police chief

Newton Falls council fires village police chief

NEWTON FALLS

Village council fired police Chief John Kuivila tonight.

During a special council meeting, the board appointed Lt. Rick Lisum as acting chief effective immediately.

Council said Kuivila has undermined his ability to remain an effective leader, and council believes “this action is for the good of all concerned, including the community, police department and the parties involved.”

A female employee of the police department accused Kuivila of making unwelcome comments about her body. Another female officer alleged that he had threatened her over the same issue.

Read more in Wednesday’s Vindicator and vindy.com