NordoniaHills.News has learned that Northfield Village Police Chief Mark Wentz has been suspended indefinitely with pay, pending an investigation. The time frame of the suspension is that it was first handed down on October 5th. Mayor Jesse Nehez told NordoniaHills.News that he summoned Chief Wentz into his office on September 28, with Village Law Director Brad Bryan, and HR Director/ Finance Director Trish Ingrassia present. Bryan and Nehez informed Wentz that he is being investigated regarding activities at the Northfield Park /Hard Rock. When contacted, Chief Wentz tells a different story. He states that he “took a FMLA (Medical Leave) on October 4th, a day BEFORE the suspension was handed down.” He states he filed the FMLA paperwork, and put it in the HR/ finance directors box.
HR/Finance Director Trish Ingrassia clarified to NordoniaHills.News that Wentz actually put a doctor’s medical note/excuse from a prescription pad in her box initially on October 4th stating that Chief Wentz needed medical time off. She did not see the note until the following morning, October 5th. Ingrassia states she didn’t receive the actual FMLA paperwork until October 13th.
Chief Wentz said he was suffering from migraine headaches, and other medical issues. Wentz questions the timing of the suspension, and maintains no wrong doing on his part. Wentz was first hired by then Mayor Victor Milani in March of 2001. Previously he was a North Randall Sergeant. The only blemish on the Chief Wentz’s personnel file is that he was suspended for two days previously for Hard Rock activities. Wentz has only ten months left until he is eligible to retire. With Wentz being suspended indefinitely, the Officer In Charge has been Police Lieutenant Jamie Mackie.
Northfield Park/ Hard Rock officials say they do not authorize anyone else, but Hard Rock officials to participate in the gathering of any charitable memorabilia items being disseminated to any organization. The Hard Rock has a staff, and their own Public Relations Department that does this activity. They do not condone the activities of Chief Wentz, and have spoken to him about it on numerous occasions.
The annual Halloween Party at the Town Hall, something Wentz enjoyed planning, and hosting, will go on as usual this year.
