Wheeling police officer dismissed; misconduct charged

A veteran Wheeling police officer was fired this week based on an allegation of “misconduct,” although no one has specified what the misconduct was.

The Wheeling Board of Fire and Police Commissioners on Tuesday upheld Police Chief Bill Benson’s decision to dismiss officer Steve Chmiel, who had been with the department at least 10 years.

Wheeling police officials said the misconduct involved violations of rules and regulations, integrity issues and conduct unbecoming.

On Tuesday, lawyers said following the original misconduct Chmiel signed a so-called last-chance agreement, which in part stated he needed to pass an examination and be found fit for duty before returning to the force.

According to officials, Chmiel failed two “fit for duty” examinations in May and September, and he was subsequently dismissed on Sept. 26.

Chmiel refused to sign the dismissal agreement on Sept. 26, which prompted Tuesday’s hearing.

Chmiel’s lawyer, Bob Bell, said objects to the dismissal and said Chmiel was forced to sign the last chance agreement under duress.

Bell asked the police and fire board to give Chmiel a fair hearing.

The Combined Counties Police Association, which represents Wheeling’s officers, declined to comment.