Failure to Enforce Code of Conduct Cited for Firing of Mitchellville, IA, Fire Chief

Failure to hold firefighters accountable for their conduct was cited as a reason for the termination of Mitchellville Fire Chief Mike Twohey.

“The city of Mitchellville expects its volunteers and employees to represent the community with professionalism, integrity, and respect. Leadership within the department must ensure those standards are upheld," Mayor Tony Jensen wrote in a statement to KCCI.

The mayor said firefighters' conduct "included harassment and defamatory statements directed toward citizens and elected officials.”

He said he expects leaders to uphold the city's code of conduct rules.

Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cleverley was named to lead the department temporarily.

Jensen said the , has been placed in the role of interim fire chief “effective immediately” to maintain continuity of operations and public safety services.

He also said he plans to present an appointment for a permanent fire chief to the Mitchellville City Council for consideration at the next regularly scheduled council meeting.

“My priority remains ensuring that the Mitchellville Fire Department operates with strong leadership, accountability, and the professionalism that the residents of Mitchellville deserve,” Jensen said.