Former WI Firefighter Charged with Sexual Assault of Patient

Police arrested a former Wausau firefighter on charges of sexual assault against a patient he was treating.

Firefighter/paramedic Clifford Heiser, 32, was arrested on Sept. 25 after Wausau police received results from a DNA test.

"Part of a sexual assault investigation is we do what is called a SANE kit, a sexual assault nurse examiner is a certified nurse who is specially trained to collect physical evidence in a sexual assault case," Wausau Police Deputy Chief Ben Bliven told local television WSAW. "The offender had his DNA on her and that was confirmed by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab."

Police received a complaint on Sept. 13 from a 29-year-old female who Heiser transported to the hospital. Officials said he was the only firefighter involved.

"We appreciate the strength and courage it took for this individual to come forward and it's our duty to press forward to determine the truth of this situation," Fire Chief Tracey Kujawat said. 

"We realize we have violated the trust of our community but are going to work diligently to regain and repair that trust," Kujawat, adding that they department is committed to serving the residents. 

Heiser, who is free on a $25,000 bond, is charged with third degree sexual assault, two counts of fourth degree sexual assault and misconduct in office.

He resigned after being placed on administrative leave from the fire department.