BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
FORT WRIGHT -- Mayor Paul Hiltz named Sgt. Dan Kreinest interim police chief Tuesday, following Friday's firing of Mark Brown after a three-day administrative hearing.
Mr. Brown, who had been suspended without pay for two months, was fired for violating city policies on abusive and discourteous behavior.
The former police chief said he will seek vindication at the polls through his mayoral campaign.
The entire city council, at the request of a resident, said they backed Mr. Hiltz's decision to fire Mr. Brown.
Sgt. Kreinest, who handled day-to-day operations of the police department during Mr. Brown's suspension, is a 17-year veteran of the department.
"He's well-experienced," Mr. Hiltz said, adding that Sgt. Kreinest is respected in the city and knows the area well because he grew up in Fort Wright.
Sgt. Kreinest did not attend Tuesday's council meeting.
City officials plan to select a new police chief after a city administrator is hired to replace Marc Bergman, who resigned last month. He has remained with the city as a consultant until his resignation is effective Sept. 1.
The mayor said it has not been decided whether to hire a city administrator before the November election.
Discussion at Tuesday's meeting included the possibility of having someone fill the city administrator's post on an interim basis.
In other business:
Council decided to accept suggestions from residents for the renaming of Kyles Lane and Highland Pike from Dixie Highway to Ky. 17 (Madison Pike).
Previous construction of Highland Pike as an extension of Kyles Lane created a three-way intersection with "inappropriate street naming for police, fire . . . 911 emergency services and the public," according to the Northern Kentucky Area Planning Commission. Former Mayor Cindy Pinto and Mr. Bergman were recognized for their service to the city. Mrs. Pinto, who resigned in June in light of the city's ongoing legal battles, also was named a Fort Wright General.
