Complaints against suspended firefighters detail vandalism at Engine House 32

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- FOX6 News is learning more about the vandalism that occurred in Milwaukee Fire Department Engine House 32 in the fall of 2013 -- and the five firefighters that were suspended as a result of an investigation into that vandalism.

In this case, nine firefighters were immediately placed on suspension during an investigation.

Eventually, five firefighters were suspended, two probationary firefighters were fired, and two firefighters will keep their jobs as long as they complete a special program. Two other firefighters allegedly involved have retired.

Most of the five suspended have been suspended for 30 work shifts, and will be on probation for a year following their return from suspension.

The five firefighters who were suspended on February 14th include:


    Nathan Fager and Joey Siegert are the probationary firefighters who were fired in this case. They presented a petition containing 1,253 signatures before Milwaukee's Fire and Police Commission in an effort to get their jobs back -- an effort that ultimately failed.

    David Krebsbach and Robert Rutley are the two that will keep their jobs. They were suspended for five days without pay but only had to serve two - as long as they completed a special program. One admitted to hanging up inappropriate signs, and the other to bringing pornography to the station.

    The complaints against the five firefighters suspended in this case detail what the Fire and Police Commission says occurred inside Engine 32, located on North 30th Street in Milwaukee.

    The complaints indicate Engine House 32 was inspected by MFD staff on the morning of September 29th, due to concern that the firehouse may not have been left in good order -- and may have been damaged by personnel that were permanently transferred from the Engine House to other work locations as of that date.

    The complaints say MFD Command Staff documented "extensive evidence of vandalism and disorder in the firehouse that morning."

    The vandalism is outlined in the complaints as follows:


      The complaints against the five suspended firefighters detail the reasoning for their suspensions:


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