By Marshfield Professional Police Association

Like many in our community, the members of Marshfield Professional Police Association were shocked and mortified to learn last Friday that Chief Rick Gramza has been criminally charged with three felony counts of misconduct in public office, a misdemeanor count of fourth degree sexual assault, and a misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.

As reflected in the criminal complaint against him, Chief Gramza admitted to having a sexual relationship with a member of our department and association. As such, we publicly condemn the actions of Chief Gramza and state that our support is unequivocally with our fellow officer, who is a victim in every sense of the term.

We respectfully demand that the Marshfield Police and Fire Commission hold Chief Gramza fully accountable for his reprehensible actions and immediately terminate him.

Police officers are expected to adhere to the highest ethical and professional standards, and the same should be true when it comes to those entrusted to lead a law enforcement agency. We cannot allow officers or anyone else to be victimized by leaders that betray the oaths that officers take to serve the interests of justice, and we implore our city’s leaders to take whatever actions are necessary to protect the dedicated men and women that serve this community and ensure that this type of abuse of power can never happen again.